Charlotte Bankes and Huw Nightingale secured Great Britain's first Olympic gold medal on snow after 102 years of trying, winning the mixed team snowboard cross in Livigno. The victory came after a series of dramatic setbacks, including a punch to the face for Nightingale and a broken binding on Bankes's snowboard.
In the opening round, Nightingale was accidentally punched in the face, finishing third of four riders. Bankes advanced the team to the semi-finals with a strong performance. In the semis, Nightingale's run was exceptional, but Bankes's binding broke just before her start, requiring emergency repair with a screwdriver.
The final pitted the British pair against Olympic champion Josie Baff (Australia), reigning world champion Michela Moioli (Italy), and mixed world title holder Loan Bozzolo (France). Nightingale finished second, 0.14 seconds behind France. After Australia crashed and received a penalty, a medal was assured.
Bankes then overtook France's Léa Casta four turns from the end, finishing 0.43 seconds ahead of Italy. 'I really found my carving and let instinct do the talking,' she said. The pair credited a Friday night drinking session for helping them relax and regroup.
The gold medal was part of Britain's greatest day at the Winter Games, with Tabitha Stoecker and Matt Weston also winning gold later. Nightingale, reflecting on the victory, said: 'It just feels unbelievable.'
