Dachhiri Sherpa
Dachhiri Sherpa (Nepali: दाछिरी शेर्पा) (born November 3, 1969) is a Nepali cross-country skier and runner who has competed since 2003. Competing in three Winter Olympics, he earned his best finish of 86th in the 15 km event at Sochi in 2014.
Skiing
At the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships 2009 in Liberec, Sherpa finished 127th in the individual sprint event while being lapped in the 30 km mixed pursuit event.
His best career finish was eighth in a 15 km event in Bulgaria in 2009.
Ultrarunning
He previously held the record for the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc, an ultramarathon held in the Alps, having completed the first edition of this race in 20h05m in 2003.
Olympic Winter Games
| Rank | Event | Location | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 86 | 15 km Classic Year 2014 | Sochi, RUS | 55:39.3 |
| 92 | 15 km Free Year 2010 | Vancouver, BC, CAN | 44:26.5 |
| 94 | 15 km Classic Year 2006 | Torino, ITA | 56:47.1 |
World Championships
| Rank | Event | Location | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 84 | Event 15 km + 15 km Skiathlon Year 2013 | Val di Fiemme, ITA | LAP |
| Event Sprint Classic Year 2013 | Val di Fiemme, ITA | DNS |
Personal life
Occupation: Bricklayer, Business Owner Other Sports: He has competed in trail running, marathons, and ultra-marathons at international level. Previous Olympics: Vancouver 2010, Torino 2006
Languages Spoken: English, French
Injuries: In January 2013 he dislocated his thumb. The injury prevented him from skiing for three weeks as he could not grip his ski poles. He recovered in time to compete at the 2013 World Championships in Val di Fiemme, Italy.
Start of sporting career He took up trail running in 1994 and was introduced to cross-country skiing in 2002.
Reason for taking up this sport He had developed a good reputation as a mountain runner. "After I had won a race the Nepal Olympic Committee called me to their office and asked me to start cross-country skiing. I had never been on skis before, and it took me some time to learn, but my running has helped me a lot."
Ambitions To compete at the 2014 Olympic Winter Games in Sochi. "I think there is a very big chance I will finish last. The placing is not important if I can teach young people in Nepal about the Olympic spirit. This spirit is in my heart."
Sporting philosophy / motto "I compete for the pleasure of discovery on all levels, to meet new people, new places and different cultures. Winning is of little importance."
Awards He was Nepal's flag bearer at the opening ceremony of the 2006, 2010 and 2014 Olympic Winter Games.
General
FROM ASIA TO EUROPE He was a cook in Nepal for trekking expeditions, when some tourists provided him with enough financial support to get his diploma to become a mountain guide. In 1994 he began to run in trail running competitions which led to him going to compete in Europe. In 1998 he got married and moved to Switzerland.
RACE ORGANISER He runs Dawa Sherpa Races, organising mountain races, mainly in Nepal. He uses the money the business makes to fund humanitarian projects in Nepal, including building schools and rebuilding a medical clinic.