Paralympic bronze medallist targeting Pyeongchang 2018 before career comes to a close

Sochi 2014 bronze medallist Danelle Umstead is targeting one more Paralympic Games appearance ©Getty Images

Sochi 2014 bronze medallist Danelle Umstead says she is targeting one more appearance at the Paralympic Games before she brings her career to a close.

The 43-year-old, who also won silver in the downhill and super-G events as well as bronze in the super combined alongside husband guide Rob at the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Alpine Skiing World Championships in Panorama, Canada earlier in the year, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2010.

Umstead competed for her country at the Paralympic Games in Vancouver in 2010 and in Sochi four years’ later, where she and her husband won super combined bronze, and admits there are races where she can “barely move” as a result of the progressive nature of her illness, adding that she will look to retire after Pyeongchang 2018.

“I have the potential for one more Paralympic Games, but I need to prove it on a race-by-race basis,” the American said.

“My mindset is that as long as my body holds up and I continue to train and continue to push myself, I’ll try and go three more years and then retire.

“There have been races where I can barely move and I’ve had to power my way through the best that I can.”

The two-time Paralympian, a winner of over 40 World Cup medals, is also feeling the strain of being away from home while out on the road competing but says it can be worth it when she represents her country.

Danelle Umstead competes alongside husband Rob, who helped guide her to three World Championships podiums in 2015 ©Getty Images

“There are pros and cons to everything in life and this is one of them,” she said.

“When I’m home, I’m home and completely involved.

“When I’m not, I’m still calling every day, often times at all hours of the night, to check in.”

Umstead produced a series of superb displays during the event in Panorama, held from February 28 to March 10, claiming her maiden podium finish at a World Championships.

She also finished as the top performing female American athlete with her haul of three medals and puts her success down to a switch in focus before the competition began.

“I remember waking up on the morning of the downhill race and feeling as mentally prepared as I've ever been,” Umstead added.

“After working for months with our coaches and sport psychologists, I felt ready.”