Menna Fitzpatrick MBE

Menna Fitzpatrick MBE is among one of RNC's most distinguished alumni. Menna’s journey from our campus in Hereford to becoming Britain’s most decorated Winter Paralympian is a testament to her incredible determination and skill.

Menna, who has had no vision in her left eye and limited vision in her right eye since birth, joined RNC to pursue her A-Levels. While at the College, she balanced her academic studies with an elite training schedule. RNC provided the supportive environment necessary for Menna to develop the independent living skills crucial for a world-traveling athlete. However, skiing wasn't the only stage where Menna shined. Former Performing Arts lecturer Cara Tivey remembers a student with a very different set of talents:

'As a Performing Arts lecturer at RNC, I had the pleasure of teaching Menna Fitzpatrick. Menna showed great promise as an actor - particularly in Theatre in Ed. I spent a lot of time trying to dissuade her from skiing, thinking it was a bit of a dead end career aspiration! #EatMyWords'

Despite her teacher's (well-intended!) skepticism, Menna burst onto the international scene in 2016, claiming the overall World Cup title for visually impaired skiing. The 2018 PyeongChang Winter Paralympics cemented her place in history; alongside her guide, Menna secured four medals - one gold, two silver, and one bronze - making her the most successful British athlete at a single Winter Games.

She continued her dominance at the Beijing 2022 Winter Paralympics, adding a silver and a bronze to her tally.

With six Paralympic medals to her name, she stands as a beacon of excellence in disability sport.

Menna was awarded an MBE in 2018 for services to Paralympic sport.

Menna Fitzpatrick embodies the RNC spirit: breaking barriers, defying expectations, and proving that whether it’s on the stage or the slopes, the sky is the limit.

In this short interview for Channel 4 Sport, Menna discusses her training methods and reflects on past triumphs and challenges: