Violinist Vanessa Mae has revealed that she has a "new-found respect" for athletes after qualifying for the Winter Olympics in Sochi.
The British musician, who began skiing when she was four years old, is representing Thailand in the giant slalom today under the name of Vanessa Vanakorn.
The 35-year-old told BBC Sport: "It's so cool. You've got the elite skiers of the world and then you've got some mad old woman like me trying to make it down. I think it's great the Olympics is here, it gives you the chance to try something new later in life.
"I love some of the girls like Tina Maze, Lara Gut, Anna Fenninger, and Bode Miller, he comes back stronger, is not the youngest guy in the circuit but he's got so much talent.
"You really realise what they give up for their sport. I had no idea to be a great skier like they are you have to be so good at so many other things. That's brought me a new-found respect for sportsmen. I'm happy I discovered that in my life."
Mae was the slowest skier to complete the course in the first run, sitting 72nd in the field, but will have the chance to improve her time in the second run later this morning.
Sian Cowper
