Team GB enjoy spectacular snowboard success as historic gold medal won at Winter Olympics


Team GB have won their second gold medal of the Winter Olympics, with Charlotte Bankes and Huw Nightingale securing glory in mixed team snowboard cross.

Their success comes just days after Matt Weston etched his name into the history books by winning in the skeleton.


There were scenes of utter joy in the moments that followed in Italy on Sunday, with the pair both overcome with emotion.

And it marked a historic moment, too, with Team GB winning a gold on show for the first time in their history.

It means they’ve also added to the World Championship they previously won three years ago.

Nightingale originally crossed the line in second place in the men’s part of the competition, leaving Bankes well-poised to secure gold.

And she managed to do exactly that, finishing ahead of Italy’s Michela Moioli to spark the wild celebrations out in the cold.

Team GB have won their second gold medal of the Winter Olympics, with Charlotte Bankes and Huw Nightingale securing glory in mixed team snowboard cros

Team GB have won their second gold medal of the Winter Olympics, with Charlotte Bankes and Huw Nightingale securing glory in mixed team snowboard cros

|

REUTERS

Snowboarding and freestyle skiing commentator Ed Leigh, speaking on the BBC, was blown away by their accomplishment.

“It’s absolutely huge. You can’t underestimate the meaning of this,” he said.

“There were three French teams out there, strategically built teams and Huw and Charlotte just have each other.

“Huw is so consistent – he can deliver a result every single race there or there abouts with the winner, and that means Charlotte, a mercurially talented snowboard cross racer can reel in the pack.”

He added: “A gold medal is absolutely deserving for Charlotte Bankes.

“An Olympic medal was the only thing missing for her.

“Her being able to come out here and take home an Olympic medal will mean the world to her.”

Former snowboarder Jenny Jones, who won bronze in her own career, added: “An absolute masterclass in racing. Incredible. Every race that they did.

Charlotte Bankes and Huw Nightingale

Charlotte Bankes and Huw Nightingale were jubilant after winning gold at the Winter Olympics

|

GETTY

“Charlotte Bankes is phenomenal but Huw held his own as well, he became more and more confident.

“Charlotte has got that shoulder injury all taped up [from braking her collar bone last year] and she absolutely deserved this. Such a privilege to watch her race.”

Team GB now have two golds for the Winter Olympics this month.

Though they’ve historically struggled at the Games, the success they’re enjoying in Italy will spark hopes of more glory ahead.



Original Content