Profile... Rachel Atherton

Age: 22 years Birthday 6 December, 1987 Height / Weight: 1 cm / 1 kg (0ft. 0in. / 0st. 2lbs.) Hometown: Oswestry, Shropshire Occupation: Mountain Biker

Introduction...

Is there something special in the Atherton family gene pool or has growing up chasing your brothers around on bikes been the main catalyst? Whether nature or nurture we will never know, but what we do know is that Rachel Atherton has emerged as one of the hottest female talents in the history of the sport.

After dominating her age group in 2005, where she was victorious in every title available to her, she picked up the accolade of The Times Young Sportswomen of the year from no less a luminary than Lord Coe. It was the first time the prestigious award had been won by an action sports athlete, and another little piece of history from Atherton.

The move to the senior class saw her fulfill her potential with a bronze at the 2006 World Championships, and progression and continued success over the following two seasons made Rachel a permanent fixture on World Cup podiums, culminating in an undisputed world title in 2008.

Career Highlights:
World Champion 2008.
Bronze, World Championships 2007.
Junior World Champion 2005.
Times Young Sportswoman of the Year 2005.