Royal Navy submariner Brett Wild is preparing to compete in his second Winter Paralympics, believing he and visually-impaired skier Millie Knight have the ability to be “fighting for gold medals”.

Brett, who has been guiding Millie since February 2016, has travelled to Beijing with a 25-strong GB squad.

Both athletes are looking to put injuries behind them, with Brett having recovered from a knee injury and Millie losing four months of training due to concussions.

Brett said: “Millie and I are approaching these games slightly differently to PyeongChang. Our main goal this time is to ski our best and Millie wants to smile crossing the line knowing she gave it her all.

“Millie has suffered three major concussions since the 2018 games so there is a lot more fear than there was before.

“We've worked with lots of different sport psychologists to overcome these fears. It's been hard but I believe that the hard times only make us stronger as a team.”

Helensburgh Advertiser: The pairing have been skiing together since 2016The pairing have been skiing together since 2016

PyeongChang 2018 was a successful Games for Brett and Millie, with the duo bringing home silver medals in downhill skiing and Super-G, and a bronze in slalom.

The pair’s preparation for Beijing, however, did not properly get underway on the slopes until October last year – giving them just a month together ahead of World Cup races in December.

They picked up a bronze at the first World Cup race of the season in Austria, followed by a Super G Crystal Globe victory in Sweden.

In January, they became world champions in the Super Combined race in Lillehammer.

Brett said: “We didn't expect much from the races but did exceptionally well given the circumstances.

“We were delighted to peak at such a great time and hope we can take this confidence into the games. 

“We don't expect too much, however, winning the World Championships Super Combined in January shows we have the ability to be fighting for the gold medals.”

Helensburgh Advertiser: Millie and Brett have already seen success this year, winning a world title in JanuaryMillie and Brett have already seen success this year, winning a world title in January

Brett, who has been skiing since the age of three, has also raced for the Navy and Combined services.

Due to this elite athlete status, he is able to put his military work on hold to pursue his ski guide career.

Millie added: “Being selected for my third Paralympic Games is an incredible feeling, to be going with Brett as my guide and best friend is special.

“I would like to thank the Royal Navy for allowing us to train together full time and its continued support. I'm excited to see what we can achieve.”

Millie and Brett will be in action from day one, with the Games getting underway on Saturday, March 4.

The Winter Paralympics will be broadcast on Channel 4.