Is GB's First Olympic Gold on Snow Just a Matter of Time?

In a historic moment for Team GB, Charlotte Bankes and Huw Nightingale have clinched gold in the mixed team snowboard cross at the Winter Olympics, marking the first Olympic gold medal for British athletes on snow. This achievement not only breaks a 102-year drought for Team GB in winter sports but also solidifies the nation's rising status in snowboarding, setting a promising trajectory for future competitions.

Last updated: 22 February 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Charlotte Bankes and Huw Nightingale's gold medal victory in the mixed team snowboard cross event in Livigno has sent ripples of excitement through the UK winter sports community. Their triumph not only signifies a breakthrough for Team GB but also highlights the potential for future successes in a sport that has historically seen British athletes struggle on the Olympic stage. As they celebrate this unprecedented achievement, the focus shifts to the broader implications for winter sports in the UK and the upcoming events in the Winter Olympics.

Key takeaways

Bankes and Nightingale have made history as the first GB athletes to win Olympic gold on snow.
The mixed team snowboard cross title is a significant milestone for Team GB, which aims to be a top five snow sport nation by 2030.
Despite limited funding, British athletes are proving competitive on the world stage.

Timeline: how we got here

The journey of British snowboarding can be traced back through several key milestones:

2014: Jenny Jones wins Team GB's first Olympic medal in snow sports with a bronze in women's snowboard slopestyle.
2018: GB Snowsport sets a target for Britain to become a top five snow sport nation by 2030.
2022: Charlotte Bankes and Huw Nightingale win the mixed team snowboard cross event on 19 February, achieving Team GB's first gold on snow in Olympic history.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

With their gold medal win, Bankes and Nightingale have not only secured their place in Olympic history but have also raised the profile of winter sports in the UK. Their victory could inspire a new generation of athletes to engage with snow sports, particularly in the lead-up to the next Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina in 2026.

What was already established

Prior to this victory, British snow athletes had shown promise in various international competitions, with several world champions emerging in the past few years. However, the historical absence of Olympic medals on snow posed a significant challenge to the credibility of GB Snowsport on the world stage.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The success of Bankes and Nightingale may lead to increased interest in winter sports among UK households. This could result in more families engaging in snowboarding and skiing, potentially boosting local ski centres and related businesses.

Businesses and jobs

With the visibility from such an achievement, businesses involved in winter sports may see a surge in demand. This includes ski equipment manufacturers, ski schools, and travel companies offering snow sports holidays, which could create more jobs and opportunities within the sector.

Policy and regulation

The success of Team GB may prompt UK Sport and governing bodies to reconsider funding allocations and support systems for winter sports. Increased investment could enhance training facilities and opportunities for young athletes, aligning with the ambition to nurture talent in the years leading up to the next Winter Olympics.

Numbers that matter

£7.2 million: Total funding for the ski and snowboard Olympic programme over the Milan-Cortina four-year cycle.
102 years: Length of time since Team GB last won an Olympic gold medal on snow.
4: The number of British athletes who have previously medalled in snow sports at the Olympics.

Definitions and jargon buster

Mixed team snowboard cross: A snowboarding event where teams consist of one male and one female athlete racing down a course with obstacles.
Crystal Globe: An award given to the overall winner of the FIS World Cup series in a given discipline.
X Games: An extreme sports event where athletes compete in various winter and summer sports.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate aftermath of their victory, Bankes and Nightingale will likely focus on their training for upcoming events, while also engaging with media and promotional opportunities that arise from their new status as Olympic champions.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the winter sports season continues, attention will turn to the next generation of athletes. Programmes aimed at encouraging youth participation in snow sports may be developed in response to the heightened interest generated by the gold medal win.

Signals to watch

Participation rates in winter sports activities across the UK.
Increased funding or support for winter sports announced by UK Sport or government bodies.
Performance of British athletes in upcoming international competitions leading up to the next Winter Olympics.

Practical guidance

Do

Encourage young people to try winter sports through local ski clubs and snow centres.
Support initiatives and funding aimed at developing winter sports in the UK.
Follow the progress of Team GB athletes in future competitions.

Don’t

Discourage participation due to perceived barriers like funding or access to facilities.
Overlook the importance of grassroots involvement in sports development.
Minimise the significance of this Olympic achievement—it represents a turning point for British winter sports.

Checklist

Explore local snow sports facilities for lessons and equipment rental.
Engage with community events promoting winter sports.
Stay informed about upcoming competitions and athlete profiles.
Consider supporting local athletes through sponsorship or community initiatives.
Share positive stories and achievements from British winter sports to inspire others.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the gold medal win is a monumental achievement, it is important to recognise the challenges that still lie ahead for Team GB. The funding and infrastructure for winter sports in the UK remain limited compared to other nations, and ongoing support will be crucial to maintain the momentum generated by this success. Additionally, individual athlete performances can vary, and the landscape of competitive winter sports is highly dynamic.

Bottom line

The gold medal victory by Charlotte Bankes and Huw Nightingale is a watershed moment for Team GB, signalling a new era of potential in British winter sports. As the nation looks forward to nurturing future talent and building on this success, it is clear that the future of snowboarding and other winter sports in the UK is bright.

FAQs

What does the gold medal win mean for Team GB?

The gold medal win by Bankes and Nightingale signifies a historic breakthrough for Team GB in winter sports, highlighting the potential for future Olympic successes and inspiring a new generation of athletes.

How does funding for winter sports in the UK compare to other nations?

UK Sport invested £7.2 million into the ski and snowboard Olympic programme, which is significantly lower than the budgets of many other winter sports nations, making the achievements of British athletes even more remarkable.

What are the upcoming events for Team GB athletes?

Following their gold medal win, Team GB athletes will participate in various competitions leading up to the next Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina in 2026, including World Cup events and other international competitions.