Thibault and Fiona, his guide dog: two athletes unlike any other!

We interviewed Thibault Trancart, a Swiss blind skier, and his guide dog Fiona: On the agenda: skiing, disability, the planet, and life with a dog!

What is your vision and definition of disability?

I couldn't give a definition because it's just a difference. This difference allows us to overcome obstacles that we thought were insurmountable.

Can you describe your sports practice?

My disciplines are Giant Slalom and Special Slalom in the blind and visually impaired category. We ski as a pair, me and the guide. The guide is in front with a microphone attached to her helmet and a loudspeaker on her back. She shouts instructions to me, and I follow her. I stay quiet and execute. We've turned an individual sport into a team sport. We have to trust each other, and that takes time. The hardest part is letting go and not being afraid of hitting a gate. In our own way, we're working for more accessibility!

Let's talk about the furball at your feet: Fiona! Can you tell us her story?

The day I was told I was blind (at the age of 14), I was also told I would have a guide dog. This news changed everything for me. She was my guide dog for 12 years, but also my therapist, my pet therapy. Now she's retired, but she always stays close to me.

What was her most heroic act?

Eating all my food so I wouldn't gain too much weight (laughs). No, seriously, when I lived in Montreal, the snow constantly made me lose my bearings, even with the cane. Fiona saved me from bad situations more than once and allowed me to maintain my independence.

Does she accompany you on the ski slopes?

Not often enough, in my opinion, because I travel all over the place for ski competitions. But as soon as I compete in Switzerland, she waits for me at the finish line, and it's always a joy.

From atop your mountains, while skiing, have you developed an ecological awareness without seeing the consequences of climate change?

From the top of the glaciers, you strongly feel climate change. Last summer was gloomy. At 3500m high, it was already above zero degrees, and you could hear the seracs breaking off one after another. At 10 in the morning, we were skiing in slush, and that's not normal. There's clearly a problem.

What advice would you give to guide dog owners?

Enjoy every moment because, in the end, it's not just a dog. It's much more; it's the person on earth who knows the most about you.

What's the plan for the upcoming season?

Competitions started in November: my goal is to participate in the World Cup!

We wish him good luck and a huge thank you!