Confident Docker looks towards Vancouver Paralympics

By Chris Cottrell, Sportsbeat

DOUBLE Paralympian Russell Docker insists he's feeling more prepared than ever as he gears up for his third Olympic season at the European Cup in Pitztal, Austria next week.

CONFIDENT: Russell Docker is on piste and on target for a third Paralympics - now just 100 days away

The disabled skier is the first to admit he's struggled to deliver in his previous two Paralympic campaigns, in Salt Lake City and Turin.

But having spent an extra three weeks training with the British squad in New Zealand, prior to his usual pre-season preparations, the 42-year old has high hopes for his third challenge in Vancouver this season.

And with just 100 days to go until the Paralympic Games kicks off in Canada, Docker insists he is brimming with confidence.

"I'm fortunate that it would be my third Paralympics if I get there and I really feel like I've had my best preparation ever for a Winter Games," said Docker.

"This is the most important year for us so we need to do as much training as possible and be as prepared as we can for the Paralympics.

"My ultimate goal for the year will first be getting to the Paralympics and then to medal at them. I've had injuries and bad luck in the past but this year things have felt really good.

"I finished last season really strongly and reached the podium at the Europa Cup in a super-G event, which is definitely my forte. I really feel I've got a realistic chance in Vancouver."

But Docker isn't the only British skier in top form - the Dorset-based athlete insists the whole team is in rude health.

And he admitted the extra three weeks in New Zealand, as well as further training in the Austrian resort of Hintertux, had boosted morale and brought the British skiers in line with the European rivals.

"It's been fantastic training with the rest of the British team for all this time," said Docker.

"We all drive each other on and there is a healthy level of competitiveness between us. It's not just myself who has made improvements - everybody has stepped forward and we push and carry each other along.

"This is the kind of training that everybody else is doing through. However, as a rule, we were not able to because we're not in an alpine country.

"The event in Pitztal is one we've been to quite a few times and we've had some success there in the past.

"It's usually the first race on the calendar so, it's quite a familiar place for most of us. We're all going into it quite confidently this year and hopefully we can start our season strongly."