Charlotte Banks won silver in the women’s snowboard cross as the UK won its first podium at the Freestyle Ski and Snowboard World Championships in Switzerland.
Banks recovered from an early setback in the final to challenge Michela Moioli, but settled in second place after being overhauled by the Italians in the photo finish.
France’s Julia Pereira de Souza finished third in the event at Engadine.
This is the 29-year-old’s first individual world championship medal since the 2021 gold medal, adding to Silver, who won Utah in 2019, and to Bacliani’s Huw Nightingale and Team Gold in 2023.
“I knew the tactics of today. I knew Bank 3 was important to creating bottom speed and I had to be patient and focused on myself,” said Banks, who finished first in the quarter finals and semi-finals.
“Unfortunately, in the final, I’m a bit frustrated with the start, but I didn’t panic, I focused on building speed, then came back and was happy to be able to join the fight until the finish.
“It was a strong final, Michela really deserves it. I’m happy I pushed her into the finish.”
Banks will then be in action on Saturday in a team snowboarding cross contest with Nightingale.
In the second half of Friday, UK’s Mia Brooks finished fifth in the women’s big air-competition petition.
Japan’s Kokomo Muras crowned the world champion, with compatriots Leila Iwabuchi and Fukuyama Mari completing the podium sweeps.
