By PA Sport Staff

1973: Born December 26, Edinburgh, Scotland. Named after French World Cup slalom star Alain Penz by parents Iain and Sue, both members of the British Ski Team.

1989: Leaves school to join Scottish ski team.

1991: Joins British ski team.

1996: Offered a professional ice hockey contract at launch of British Superleague but declines offer to concentrate on skiing.

1998: Competes at Olympics in Nagano. Disqualified in slalom but finishes 31st in giant slalom.

2001: Achieves highest World Cup placing of fourth at Are, Sweden, Britain's highest Alpine finish for 20 years. It was one of four top-10 finishes that season. Begins 2001-02 season ranked 11 in world.

2002: Wins Olympic bronze in slalom at Salt Lake City.