Charlotte Bankes, a prominent figure in Team GB's winter sports contingent, has a unique international career trajectory that saw her compete for two different nations at the Olympic Games. Born in Hemel Hempstead, England, Bankes relocated to the French Alps during her childhood, which paved the way for her initial representation of France in snowboarding.
Early Career and French Representation
Bankes launched her international career at the age of 15, racing under the French flag. She quickly established herself as a rising talent in the snowboard cross discipline, securing two World Junior Championship titles and three French national championships. Her early success highlighted her potential on the global stage.
Olympic Debut for France
At the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Bankes made her Olympic debut while representing France. She finished the individual snowboard cross competition in 17th place, marking her first appearance on the world's grandest sporting platform. This experience set the foundation for her future Olympic endeavours.
Second Olympic Appearance
Four years later, Bankes returned to the Winter Olympics at the 2018 Pyeongchang Games, once again competing for France. In this outing, she demonstrated significant improvement by achieving a seventh-place finish in the women's snowboard cross event, showcasing her growth as an athlete.
Switching Allegiance to Team GB
After the 2018 Games, Bankes made the pivotal decision to switch her sporting allegiance to represent Great Britain. This move was motivated by a desire for a fresh start, particularly following struggles with a persistent pelvic injury that had impacted her performance and training.
Release from French Ski Federation
For an athlete to change national representation, approval from their existing federation is typically required. In November 2018, the French Ski Federation formally agreed to release Bankes' registration, despite their reluctance to lose a leading athlete. This step was crucial in facilitating her transition to Team GB.
International Ski Federation Approval
Following her release from France, the International Ski Federation (FIS) officially sanctioned her request to switch her sporting nationality. This approval enabled Bankes to begin competing under the Union Jack in Europa Cup and World Cup events, marking the start of her new chapter with Great Britain.
Achievements with Team GB
After joining Team GB, Bankes quickly made her mark on the international circuit. She secured a silver medal at the 2019 World Championships, and two years later, she made history by becoming Britain's first-ever snowboarding world champion, clinching the gold medal in Sweden.
First Olympics for Great Britain
At the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, Bankes competed in her inaugural Games for Team GB as a favourite for gold. Despite a strong showing in earlier rounds, she was knocked out in the quarter-finals, finishing the individual event in ninth place. This result, while not a podium finish, underscored her competitive edge.
Team Event Performance
During the same Beijing Games, Bankes also participated in the debut Olympic mixed team snowboard cross event. Alongside teammate Huw Nightingale, she achieved a sixth-place finish, which remains her best Olympic result for Team GB to date.
Consistent Success on the International Circuit
Beyond the Olympics, Bankes has dominated the international snowboarding scene. She won consecutive overall World Cup titles in 2022 and 2023, and added another world title to her CV in 2023 by winning gold in the mixed team event. Her consistent performances highlight her status as a top athlete in her discipline.
Charlotte Bankes' journey from representing France to becoming a world champion for Team GB is a testament to her resilience and talent. Her story continues to inspire fans and aspiring athletes alike, as she remains a key figure in winter sports.
