Shayne Dawson-Dymond faces up to downhill challenge

But within 24 hours he was itching to jump back on his skis.

Injuries that would strike fear into most were nothing to seven-year-old Dawson-Dymond who defied medics to get back into downhill racing just 12 weeks after his horror injury.

Ketley's young ski star then wasted no time in announcing his comeback on the competitive stage, claiming first place in a Central England Ski Club race meeting.

Dawson-Dymond, who attends St Georges Primary School, is part of Midlands Ski Club who train at Ackers Adventure in Birmingham, while the talented youngster also masters his craft at Telford Ski Centre in Madeley.

But just two weeks before children were due to break up for the summer holidays, one costly tumble had those closest to the fearless racer fearing the worst.

Dawson-Dymond's mother Claire witnessed the freak training incident in which her son completed two somersaults before taking a heavy landing on his face.

"I can't get the image out of my head," said Claire. "If any of the other kids come down and fall now, my heart is in my mouth. I think about what Shayne did. It's there every time he skis now, I'm gasping every time he comes down. It's changed me.

"It was an awful time for us. Everyone was shook up. It was shocking when we saw the severity of it.

"The doctor said he'd only seen injuries like that from being in a car crash. It shows the impact he took to his face.

"Even though it was horrific it still could've been worse – so he's still quite lucky!

"The doctors came round to see him and said 'wow, you've done a really good job!' – and the first thing Shayne said was 'when can I go skiing again?' It definitely didn't put him off!

"I don't think he realised how serious it was. When he saw his face it was a major shock. He went through a stage where he didn't want to go out. He wore sunglasses for a bit because he thought everyone was staring at his face.

"To be honest I didn't think he'd ever race again."

But race again he did. Dawson-Dymond – who has been skiing for little more than two years – took the individual under-8s title in a CESA (Central England Snowsports Association) meet in a stunning comeback from injury just 12 weeks later.

Claire, a former ice skater at British novice junior and senior level, struggled to hide her pride in explaining her son's achievements.

The youngster is under the guidance of renowned coach Roger Crombleholme at Ackers.

And since his injury, Telford's dry slope star has been sharing his tale with the stars of the skiing world.

"I wanted to show what determination he's got and that he's overcome it and just got on with it," Claire added. "It's what kids can do. I'm so proud.

"He met Eddie the Eagle at a recent meeting at the slope. He got him to sign his helmet!

"He told Eddie in the Q&A – "I managed to break four bones in one accident – what's the worst you've done?"