Zara Phillips saved career of pro skier

Skier Chemmy Alcott has praised Britain's Zara Phillips for helping her to overcome injuries sustained in a 2010 horror smash in Canada in which shattered her leg.

Chemmy Alcott says Britain's Zara Phillips has helped save her ski career.

The 'Dancing On Ice' contestant was injured in a 2010 horror smash in Canada which shattered her leg, but she has bounced back to star on the ITV1 show after spending part of last summer recuperating at the royal and her England rugby player husband Mike Tindall's Gloucestershire home.

The 29-year-old skier - who was introduced to the equestrienne several years ago through a mutual sponsor - said: "Zara knows all about rehabilitation as she's helped Mike through his injuries.

"She also understands my disappointment. She's done everything right for the past two Olympics, and then her horse has been injured."

Chemmy - who is partnered with skater Sean Rice on 'Dancing On Ice' - is using the show as another part of her rehabilitation, but she admits some people expect her to be an expert on the ice just because she is a skier.

She added to the Daily Telegraph newspaper: "People don't understand how I can skate when I can't ski. But I can get away with having a stiff ankle because ice is flat.

"Skiing is a tough sport and most amateurs don't put nearly enough effort into preparation. If you want to prevent limb strain and avoid exhaustion after each run, you need to follow a six-week exercise plan."