Lancaster-born speed skier Jan Farrell made a thrilling comeback at the FIS Speed Ski World Championships in Vars, France, clocking an impressive 202.031 km/h (125.536 mph).
Just 11 months after major knee surgery and nearly five years since retirement, Farrell finished in 27th position, narrowly missing the finals qualification but conquering personal fears on the notorious Vars speed track.
“Accepting fear, not eliminating it, is my strategy for skiing at over 200 km/h,” said Farrell, now 41. “Fear keeps us safe, keeps us focused, but too much can inhibit us. I’ve learnt to embrace it.”
Farrell, who famously crashed at 216 km/h on the same slope in 2016, has extensively explored fear management since retiring in 2020.
His journey of psychological discovery led him to work closely with sports psychologist Ricardo de la Vega Marcos.
Farrell shared, “Accepting I was always going to be scared at the start line was a revelation. Anticipating fear instead of fighting it has dramatically changed how I feel about skiing, and this could improve future results.”
Ranked the third fastest skier in British history and Britain’s number one since 2012, Farrell still holds an ambitious goal: breaking Marc Poncin’s British record of 245.230 km/h. “This comeback reignited my lifelong dream of reaching 250 km/h,” Farrell explained enthusiastically.
Speed skiing is a sport that athelete’s accelereate 0-120mph in less than 8”, using no more than the force of gravity for propulsion. It demands unparalleled balance, physical strength, and psychological resilience. To achieve maximum performance and minimize drag, Farrell collaborated with Swiss textile innovators Schoeller and French ski equipment experts Jonathan & Fletcher to design a revolutionary speed suit. Made from advanced materials including polyester, polyurethane, and elastodiene, the suit enhances flexibility and aerodynamics, crucial at such extraordinary speeds.
Reflecting on his intense experience, Farrell wrote an article about his emotions before the championships:
“From the comfort of my office, the idea seemed great. But at 180 km/h, fear stormed in, exactly as anticipated.”
Yet, by embracing this fear, Farrell achieved an unprecedented sense of control and presence during his high-speed descent. “This heightened self-awareness was transformational. For the first time, I was genuinely present and able to reflect in real-time,” he shared.
Valentina Greggio and Simon Billy Triumph in Vars
While Farrell’s personal journey captivated attention, the championships crowned new speed skiing heroes. Italy’s Valentina Greggio clinched victory for women at 225.73 km/h, while Simon Billy thrilled home crowds by winning the men’s event at 229.13 km/h.
Farrell now plans to continue sharing insights on fear management across platforms. His mission: helping others tackle their own fears, whether in sport, business, or daily life.
“Fear is not the enemy—it’s a powerful ally. Learning how to harness it can redefine your limits,” Farrell concludes.
Jan looks forward to future racing, pushing his final retirement back in a sport in which years of experince and a strong mindset of the older generation of racers compete hard with the strength and explosivity of the younger racers.
