Charlotte Bankes’ Olympic Heartbreak: A Pattern of ‘What Ifs’ for Team GB
Milan, Italy – Charlotte Bankes’ quest for an elusive Olympic medal continued to slip away today at the 2026 Winter Olympics, as the snowboard cross favorite was knocked out in the quarter-finals. This marks the second consecutive Games she’s exited at this stage, leaving both Bankes and Team GB supporters frustrated.
A Decorated Career, Yet Olympic Glory Remains Distant
Despite a stellar career boasting 26 World Cup golds and a former world championship title, an Olympic medal remains the missing piece in Bankes’ impressive resume. Today’s performance echoed the disappointment of Beijing 2022, where a crash also ended her medal hopes. “Lost,” was Bankes’ succinct response to BBC Sport when asked how she was feeling after the race.
Battling Back From Injury
Bankes’ road to Milan was far from smooth. A broken collarbone in April 2025 required two surgeries, including a bone graft from her hip, threatening her participation in the Games altogether. She demonstrated remarkable resilience, returning to competition and even securing a World Cup gold in China last month, but the form didn’t translate to the Olympic stage.
Track Troubles and a Cruel Sport
Bankes admitted to struggling with the Livigno Snow Park track throughout the week, despite efforts to uncover solutions. “I’ve been struggling with the track all week, but we thought we’d found solutions,” she stated. The unpredictable nature of snowboard cross was also acknowledged, with Bankes calling it a “cruel sport” and expressing regret for letting down her team.
Team GB’s Medal Drought Continues
Bankes’ exit adds to Team GB’s growing list of near misses at the Milan-Cortina Games. Freestyle skier Kirsty Muir and snowboarder Mia Brookes both finished fourth earlier in the week, highlighting a pattern of close calls. The wait for a first Olympic gold or silver medal on snow continues for the British team.
Looking Ahead: Mixed Team Event and Future Prospects
Bankes has a quick turnaround, with the mixed team event scheduled in 48 hours. She will team up with Huw Nightingale, with whom she won a world championship title in 2023, offering a glimmer of hope for a potential medal. Zoe Atkin, the current halfpipe world champion and the aforementioned Muir and Brookes also have upcoming events, providing further opportunities for Team GB to break through.
Did you know?
Charlotte Bankes initially competed for France in the 2014 and 2018 Winter Olympics before switching to represent Great Britain in 2022.
FAQ
Q: Has Charlotte Bankes ever won an Olympic medal?
A: No, despite a successful career, Charlotte Bankes has not yet won an Olympic medal.
Q: What injury did Charlotte Bankes suffer before the 2026 Olympics?
A: She broke her collarbone in April 2025, requiring two surgeries to correct.
Q: What is the mixed team event in snowboard cross?
A: It’s a team competition where two snowboarders – one male and one female – compete in a head-to-head race against other national teams.
Q: What other Team GB athletes are medal contenders at the 2026 Winter Olympics?
A: Kirsty Muir, Mia Brookes, and Zoe Atkin are all considered strong medal hopes for Team GB.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on the mixed team event – it often produces unexpected results and offers a different dynamic than individual competitions.
Stay tuned for further updates from the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. Share your thoughts on Team GB’s performance so far in the comments below!
