Tim Farr

Exeter alumnus competes at Paralympic Winter Games

University of Exeter alumnus Tim Farr is competing for a podium place in the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games in Canada.

Tim Farr, who gained a degree in Politics & Sociology at Exeter, broke his back in March 2004 in a skiing accident.

But within a year he was back on the slopes on a sit-ski. He soon made the transition from being a recreational skier to a racer. And now the 27-year-old is making his Paralympic debut and is competing in the slalom and giant slalom events in Vancouver.

Tim Farr (Politics & Sociology 2005) said, ‘The University of Exeter were very accommodating after my accident and helped ease me back into life and sport. Now I’m really looking forward to my first Paralympic Games, its been amazing so far and I cant wait for my first race on the 19th.’

Dr Claire Dunlop, who was Tim’s personal tutor in his final year at Exeter, said,‘The main thing I can remember about Tim is that he was incredibly positive and determined. The fact that he has gone on to compete in the Paralympics is not surprising.

He was very well liked by his peers and they all rallied around him. I wish him the best of luck. The fact that he has achieved so much already is an inspiration to us all.’

The Xth Paralympic Winter Games began on Friday March 12 in Vancouver, Canada, and ParalympicsGB has a total of 12 athletes competing across two sports during the 10 days of competition.

ParalympicsGB has selected five wheelchair curlers and seven skiers (comprising six sit-skiers and one visually-impaired skier) to compete in Vancouver.

Date: 12 March 2010

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