Olympic ski mountaineering favourite Emily Harrop faces pressure in Italy, her sport's debut event. Born in the French Alps to English parents, Harrop chose to compete for France despite her British heritage. Her decision was influenced by growing up in France and training within the French system, making a switch difficult.

She only took up ski mountaineering at 20 after alpine skiing injuries, joining a sport without a British team at the time. Now a three-time world champion in relay and mixed events, she is a strong medal contender in the sport's Olympic debut at the Milan-Cortina Games. Ski mountaineering blends endurance, technical skill, and alpine adventure, featuring sprint and mixed relay events with demanding ascents and descents.

Harrop's Olympic inclusion, announced in 2021, transformed her career, leading her to join the French military's 'Army of Champions' support team. She relishes the historic pressure, stating the opportunity makes the pressure worthwhile.