twenty seventh August 2025
The snowboard cross athlete was injured final season and is now hoping to be match for the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics subsequent February. NEW
She suffered the preliminary damage in coaching final April simply as a 3rd snowboard cross World Cup title in 4 years was inside her attain.
“I needed to have a second surgical procedure on the collarbone,” Bankes informed Olympics.com in an unique interview at Smooth Life Ski, an initiative that goals to extend range in winter sport, which has partnered with GB Snowsport.
“The operation went effectively, and I’ve began rehab once more so I’m again in Bisham at our intensive rehab centre there working arduous with the blokes and it’s going effectively,” mentioned Bankes.
“We simply must let the bone heal and we’re going to place the work in bodily in order that once I’m able to get again on snow, and the bone is able to get again up on snow, I’ll be able to have enjoyable on the market.”
The 30-year-old has competed in three Winter Olympics – two representing France, a rustic she moved to along with her household at 4 years previous, and tat Beijing the place she raced for Group GB.
Her finest end was sixth in, the combined workforce snowboard cross occasion with Huw Nightingale in Beijing in 2022.
A medal in Italy is her fundamental focus.
“Oh completely, that’s the purpose, and that’s additionally why I had surgical procedure, to remember to be at Milan as a result of I didn’t wish to take the danger of it failing within the lead-up,” she mentioned.
In addition to rehab Bankes has attended an occasion that encourages range and inclusion in winter sport.
Bankes was at The Snow Centre in Hemel Hempstead final weekend because it hosted the primary indoor slope takeover by Smooth Life Ski.
She was born in Hemel Hempstead and there was a dry ski slope on the location of the present Snow Centre.
Europe’s main Afro-Caribbean snow sports activities and music pageant had ski and snowboard classes, a showcase slope for the extra assured, all set to beats, with the après ski persevering with within the centre’s chalet-style bar.
Free buses had been laid on to encourage participation of these from black and ethnic minority communities to benefit from the slopes and the vibe with like-minded souls.
“That social a part of it truly bought me into it as a result of rising up as a child, I used to be simply going with my mates, after which additionally going out and following my brothers,” mentioned Bankes.
“And to see that’s what persons are doing right here, they’re coming with their mates and simply assembly new folks, it’s creating that social facet, and that’s actually vital.”
“It’s nice to see that enthusiasm about getting on the snow and simply having enjoyable and seeing folks having fun with being out right here,” she mentioned of the initiative that began with seven mates happening a snowsport vacation collectively, rising to the 1,000-strong pageant on the slopes of Laax, Switzerland final season.
See the complete story on Olympic.com
Up till the damage final season was a superb one for Bankes.
Bankes received the Crystal Globe within the 2021–22 and 2022–23 seasons.
Offering the re-hab goes effectively she is anticipated to be a favorite for an Olympic medal on the Milan-Cortina Video games
PlanetSKI: No 1 for digital ski information
Your digital platform for ski information, resort info, journey, tools rental, sport, cash saving offers and every little thing linked with snowsports – website, social media & extra.
