GB Speed Skier Jan Farrell Retires

20th January 2021

Last modified on May 9th, 2021

He is Britain’s most successful speed skier in recent history and a world record holder. Jan Farrell has announced he’s hanging up his skis after 10 years at the top.

He has four World Cup wins and an Overall World Cup title in 2014 in the Speed 2 category.

Farrell has made the decision to retire based on his family commitments and following the Covid-19 crisis.

Despite his retirement, Farrell will continue to play an important role in the development of the sport, something he has been doing for many years.

He will also be promoting winter sports in general, especially in Spain where he is based for most of the year.

“Like many people, after a rather turbulent year, I’m experiencing a lot of changes in my life, as well as tackling difficulties as they come,” Farrell said.

“Therefore I have made the decision to retire from elite sport due to my new family situation and because of the current COVID-19 wave in which I feel responsible with the people that surround me, reducing the risk by not travelling.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone that has shared this wonderful journey: my support team, journalists, fans, sponsors, ski resorts, race organisers and my rivals who have always pushed me to my limits.

“A huge thank you to my discipline. It has given me so much in life, greatly contributing to who I am today.

“It has helped me get to know myself, overcome myself, become more competitive, manage and rationalise fear (particularly after my crash in 2016 at 216 kph) and to use scientific methodology to work on my concentration in extreme situations.”

Farrell said he would continue to support young talents, promote the sport and share its benefits.

He will also continue to oversee the running of Liberalia, the company he founded aged 18, and donate profits from snowsports activities to a Spanish-based charitable foundation Fundación También which takes disabled people to the snow.

About Jan Farrell