A newcomer to winter sport, Jessica Gallagher previously competed in athletics and was due to compete at the Beijing Games. Instead she attended the Games as medical staff and set the 2010 Vancouver Winter Games as her new target.

Jessica, who is vision impaired describes herself as friendly, outgoing and focused firmly on success in alpine skiing. She is yet to compete in official competition but is working towards the goal of winning in Vancouver.

She hates dishonesty, magpies and injuries and is currently completing her masters in osteopathy. Successfully treating a wheelchair user suffering from chronic back pain was one of Jessica’s proudest moments as she was able to see the appreciation on the man’s face. Her happiness stands in contrast to her fear when she was stranded at the top of Vail Mountain in the USA one night, with no operating lifts and way of getting down.

Spending time with her friends and family and listening to music relaxes Jessica who also competes in long jump, discus and shot put, sprints and plays able-bodied netball and basketball. She admires Japanese athlete Koji Murofushi for his timeless dedication and commitment to the hammer throw and seeks inspiration from 1984 Olympic Games long jump silver medallist Gary Honey for motivation to be the best athlete she can be.