Mapp sets sights on next challenge

Great Britain’s Corie Mapp may have been crowned the best parabobsledder in the world at the weekend but he already has sights on his next challenge.

Mapp claimed the Overall World Cup title for the second year in a row and the third time in his career as he won six medals in eight races over the past three weeks.

The 46-year-old proved yet again that he is the most consistent driver in the world, taking his individual medal tally in British colours past half a century in the process.

But rather than sit back and celebrate yet another landmark achievement, Mapp immediately turned his attentions to his next goal - the World Championships in Switzerland later this month.

“The day I really want is still to come,” said Mapp, who has won everything there is to win in the sport except the World Champs. 

I really want to win the World Championships in St Moritz. That’s the one I really, really want this year. I’ve had a silver and a couple of bronze over the years but I’m dead set on finally winning gold. 

“I’ve already started going over the track there and my mind is already on that!

“I desperately want to bring home that gold medal. It’s on a track that I favour and I know I can do it. I’ll be giving it everything.”

Corie Mapp won the Crystal Globe for the second successive season (pic IBSF)

Mapp has certainly given it everything so far this season so it’s no surprise to know he’ll be carrying that attitude all the way from Sigulda to St Moritz.

With this season’s World Cup calendar packed into a single month and with six of the races taking place across just 10 days, Mapp has had to demonstrate major mental as resilience as well as physical and piloting prowess.

He showed incredible consistency, winning three gold, a silver and two bronze medals in the races in Lillehammer as he built on a big pre-season of hard graft and quality ice time with the wider British Bobsleigh squad.

“The hard work has definitely paid off,” added Mapp.

It’s been a very intense season across a very congested period and that’s called for a lot of mental focus and concentration.

“Although I didn’t get the last two results that I wanted in Sigulda, I’m still really proud of everything I’ve done. That was the first time in 14 races that I haven’t been on the podium so it goes to show that I’ve been on a decent run.

“I’ve found God so I’d like to give thanks and praise to him as I don’t think it would have been possible without him. I’m also really thankful to so many people for their support.

“I’m extremely grateful to the bigger GB team: I don’t think I would have achieved this if I hadn’t gone out to pre-season with them. I’m very thankful to them all, especially to the girls, for all their help, their patience and support throughout pre-season.

“Thanks to Graham and Sean (GB coaches Graham Richardson and Sean Olsson) and to IBSF coaches Edgars Maskalans, Sarah Monk and Bree Schaff for everything they’ve given me. Thanks also to the BBSA for supporting me.

“Thanks to all the public out there who have backed me as well. The support this year has been bigger than ever and I want to acknowledge that - it really does mean a lot. Hopefully I can give everyone another big win to be proud of in St Moritz in a couple of weeks.”

Mapp competes in Moritz on February 13th and 14th, with the season showpiece taking place over four runs at the spiritual home of sliding.