Ollie Hill produced a superb first run in the banked slalom to win ParalympicsGB’s first ever medal in para snowboard.
His fastest run of 1:10.45 was enough to secure the bronze medal with Owen Pick just missing out on the podium in fourth place, with a best run of 1:10.64 at the Zhiangjiakou Genting Snow Park. Andy MacLeod finished in 20th position.
A delighted Hill, from Reading, said: “I can’t really sum it up right now other than I am absolutely stoked.
I said earlier in the week I felt I had a bit more confidence in the banked and we have proved it today. It was important to put down a good first run; it took the pressure off a little bit.
I wanted to push, push, push for the gold but I felt the second run was a bit slower and the snow was caving in a bit.”
He added: “I have had some ups and downs, but it’s been amazing – to think I have come away with a medal, I cannot put it into words.
I have been off social media which has been quite nice but as soon as I get home I am sure it will go a bit wild. My sisters will be on the phone to each other crying their eyes out. They have helped me so much through this. My mum and dad will be so proud too.”
