At the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Paralympic Games, Bart Bunting won two gold medals in the downhill and super G and silver in the giant slalom. Bart then took a break and has now returned to skiing, keen for another medal in Vancouver.

Bart, who has been blind from birth, does not see his vision impairment as a disability but rather as a natural part of his life. “For me, it’s just how it is, it’s not something that you worry about,” says Bart. All competitors in Bart’s B1 classification ski with blacked-out goggles and his guide Nathan Chivers tells Bart where to turn and advises him on snow conditions.

Bart and Nathan have been friends since high school and have developed a unique bond. It is actually due to Nathan’s sister that Bart began skiing. In 1998, she organised a tryout camp for people with disabilities and was low on numbers forcing Bart to go along. Although bad at first, Bart persevered and gradually improved his skills.

On top of his skiing achievements, he has completed a degree in computer science and currently works in IT satellite networking. He loves eating cheese and aims to lead a happy and exciting life competing on the slopes.