Skier Alice Robinson splits with coach

Alice Robinson
Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Queenstown skier Alice Robinson and her coach Chris Knight have formally and amicably decided to end their partnership as Robinson heads into the 2023/2024 season.

Kiwi born Knight has been integral as Robinson’s Head Coach for the last four World Cup seasons, and previous to that was a mentor and advisor to her and her team over her earlier formative teenage years.

Knight has been involved in the Women’s Alpine World Cup tour for over two decades, including being directly involved for several years with US Alpine superstar Lindsey Vonn previous to Robinson.

Knight has coached Robinson to five World Cup podiums, including three victories, over his tenure.

Although Knight immensely enjoyed his time working with Robinson, he is looking forward to spending more time at home with his family, including his two young children.

The first appointment to Alice’s new coaching team is 2010 Winter Olympian Tim Cafe.

Cafe was Robinson’s coach through her teenage years, including when she burst onto the world stage with a victory in the FIS World Junior World Ski Championships in 2019.

Snow Sports NZ will support Robinson and her team as they implement their new coaching team over the coming months.

“Snow Sports NZ would like to thank Chris, not only for his recent coaching stint with Robinson, but for everything he has done to foster competitive alpine ski racing in New Zealand and overseas.” – Nic Cavanagh, Snow Sports NZ CEO.

While this signals the end of Knights formal coaching relationship with Robinson, Snow Sports NZ looks forward to continuing to engage and benefit from Knight’s knowledge and expertise.