Alcott has nine World Cup top 20 results

It is nearly two decades since Edwards finished last in ski jumping at the Calgary Olympics in 1988.

Alcott, preparing for the 2006 Winter Games, told BBC Five Live: "He put the sport on the map but for completely the wrong reasons.

"You still get people thinking we are ski versions of him." she added.

"They think we are out there to come last and make a mockery of ourselves."

Alcott, who has nine top 20 results at World Cup level, said British winter sports athletes were extremely dedicated professionals and it was unfair they were tagged as plucky Brits like Edwards who captured the nations hearts by being so rubbish.

Britain has never won an Olympic medal in alpine sports. Slalom specialist Alain Baxter finished third in the 2002 Salt Lake City Games but was stripped of his medal when he failed a post-race urine test.

But at the 2006 Games, being held from 10-26 February, Britain has medal chances with Alcott and downhiller Finlay Mickel.

Alcott added: "Skiing is our lives. We train 24/7 for it and we compete at the highest level with the best of the world."