World-famous musician Vanessa Mae is to compete for Thailand in this year's Winter Olympics in Sochi.
Mae, a professional violinist for whom skiing is a 'lifelong hobby', qualified for the tournament several weeks ago, and will be competing in the alpine skiing competition under the name Vanessa Vanakorn, having opted to use her father's surname.
She announced her bid to qualify for Sochi in 2010, telling The Telegraph: "It has been my dream and I am hoping people will accept I just want to give it my best. I am taking a plunge.
"I am British, but realistically there is no way I could represent my own country. Because my natural father is Thai, they have accepted me."
Mae is one of just two athletes competing in the Sochi Winter Olympics for Thailand, alongside fellow alpine skier Kanes Sucharitakul.
Written by
Giuseppe Labellarte
Giuseppe Labellarte
