IPC Alpine Skiing statement - British athlete Heather Mills

"Only approved adaptive equipment can be used in IPC Alpine Skiing competition, a rule that applies to all athletes within the sport."

Ahead of the 2013/2014 IPC Alpine Skiing season a memo was sent to all participating nations asking them to submit adaptive equipment for approval.

This is a process that is undertaken each year and involves all nations forwarding pictures and descriptions of the adaptive equipment that each athlete or guide will use during the coming season.

The IPC Alpine Skiing Sport Technical Committee reviews each submission and sends written notification of approval or non-approval.

Only approved adaptive equipment can be used in IPC Alpine Skiing competition, a rule that applies to all athletes within the sport.

Heather Mills’ submission was received on 1 July. Written notification was sent from IPC Alpine Skiing to her coach on 30 July 2013 informing him that a standard ski boot had to be used for her approved ProCaver prosthetic.

On Monday (16 December) it was noticed that the boot she is competing on is different to the one formally approved by the IPC Alpine Skiing Sport Technical Committee in July.

As a result she was informed that she could not compete with the modified unapproved boot and that failure to revert back to the approved adaptive equipment would result in her disqualification.