Alcott looks for a winning tribute to her 'inspiration'

From James Toney, Sportsbeat, in Whistler

LINDSEY Vonn will start the Olympic women's downhill as a short-priced favourite but Great Britain's Chemmy Alcott is refusing to rule out upsetting the odds.

FOCUS: Chemmy Alcott has been posting some impressive training times - and the Whistler Olympic downhill course appears to suit her (Getty Images)

But while Vonn buckles under the weight of international expectation, a dodgy shin and a US television network who have built their ratings around her, Alcott is baring her own much more personal burden.

She represents Britain's best chance of an alpine medal, if you put aside Alain Baxter being controversially stripped of slalom silver in 2002, since Gina Hathorn, who claimed a slalom fourth in 1964.

She was eighth fastest in training and team officials are quietly confident about the form she is showing and how well suited she is to the Whistler course, ahead of tonight's scheduled women's downhill.

Alcott underlined her potential when she finished just outside the top ten in Turin but the progress that was predicted has been hampered by personal tragedy and debilitating injuries.

In the days after her last Olympics appearance, she received the news that mother Eve - who had played such a pivotal role in her skiing ambition - had suddenly passed away aged just 59.

The news forced her to take time away from the sport, considering her options about whether Vancouver, the 27-year old's third Games, was worth the hassle.

"I suppose it brings it back to me because the last time I saw her was at the Turin Olympics," said Alcott.

"I took time out to decide whether I skied because it was my dream and I was good at it, or because it was my mum's dream.

"I realised how short life was and it really put things into perspective, I actually skied faster than ever the following season but then I got injured.

"My mum drove me on and helped me maintain my motivation. Without her, I would never have become one of the best in the world. I can still feel her everywhere. She sacrificed so much of her life so that I could fulfill my ambitions. 

"I'm skiing for myself but I also to protect her legacy and prove that support was worth something."

Final training on the Franz's Downhill course was cancelled on Tuesday after heavy snow in Whistler.

Alcott has been drawn with bib number two, with the race scheduled to start at 11am local time (-8 GMT).

AS IT HAPPENS: Day five from the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver