Former Hemel Hempstead snowboarder becomes world champion

Charlotte Bankes, who lived in Hemel Hempstead before moving to France when she was four, became Britain's first snowboarding world champion with a dramatic run to snowboard cross gold in Sweden on February 11.

The 25-year-old beat Italy's Olympic champion Michela Moioli to the title by just 0.08 seconds, and with the 2022 Olympic Winter Games just around the corner, this was a statement victory.

Charlotte said: "It's pretty amazing, I've had a great few days here,it's just amazing to be able to pull all the runs together.

"We have got the World Cup circuit and then the Olympic Games next winter.

"What's great about snowboarding cross is all the different runs, every track is different and have to be able to adapt for every race.

"You need to be a good all-rounder and speed has got to be your friend, I enjoy competing against others, it's always fun to race and it's not over until you cross that finish line."

Pending qualification and selection, Bankes is set to make a big impact on Team GB debut in Beijing having changed licences from France to Great Britain in 2018.

Talking about her decision to change licences, she said: "I was racing for France because I came through the ranks here and my brother also represented the French team.

"I was really enjoying it, but I got to the stage where I was not having a good time, and I was no longer enjoying it and I was having problems with my hip which meant I couldn't train.

"I wanted to try something new and I contacted GB Snowsport and they were really supportive. There was a really good team spirit here, they had good coaches and I felt like it could work.

"I have been really enjoying myself with this team and I'm happy racing and they have really helped with my hip, it's a lot better now and I'm able to manage the pain.

"GB Snowsport wanted me to be happy and enjoy myself again, which I am."

Charlotte started snowboarding when she was five and began competing on an international level when she was 15.

The 25-year-old says one of the most important things for anyone considering getting involved in the sport is to have fun and enjoy it.

She said: "It's a great sport and I love it and I am really enjoying it.

"I think one of the main things is that you enjoy it and have fun, the rest can come with practice and hard work.

"It's important to go all round the mountain and try out different terrains.

"I would say the best advice I can give is to have fun, enjoy it, work hard and practice, and the rest will follow."