Brit Gillings Makes Final In Canadian World Cup

Zoe Gillings, Britains No 1 snow sports athlete finished in an impressive 4th position today in the Canadian FIS World cup final in Stoneham despite carrying a heel injury she picked up at the X-Games three weeks ago. This is the third World Cup final Zoe has competed in this season, securing her place as one of the best snowboard racers in the world. Zoe is Britains top snow sports athlete and is considered Britains best chance of an Olympic Snowsport medal in Vancouver in less than 12 months time.

Zoe went into the first heat against the World No 1, Lyndsay Jacobellis (USA), World No 2, Sandra Frei (SUI) and Susanne Moll from Austria. Zoe quickly settled in behind Jacobellis from the start and finished in a convincing 2nd position beating World No 2, Frei, securing her place in the semi final. Zoe then went into the next heat against Jacobellis , Anthoniaz (FRA) and Jekova (BUL).

Zoe continued in fine form right from the outset, quickly securing her progression into the final with another solid 2nd position finish just on the heals of Jacobellis. Zoe then went into the final against Jacobellis, Ricker (Can) and Francon (SUI), Zoe had an excellent start but lost her footing while negotiating the first banked turn effectively ending her race and finishing in fourth position.
Zoe’s World Ranking has climbed to 6th position and with 3 races left of the season, this is looking like one of Zoes best ever seasons on the World Cup snowboarding Circuit. Zoe commented after the race:- “Im really happy I made it into the final today since I thought my injury may have kept me out of the competition altogether, it was a really exciting race and I now have a few days off to find a physio and get some intensive treatment.” (Zoe gave this quote while sitting with a bag of ice on her foot)
Zoe will be releasing some exciting news in the coming weeks of her new sponsorship deal with SONY who will be providing Zoe with some technologically advanced training equipment on the lead up to the Olympics in less than 12 months time which will prove vital to her success. Zoe is continuing to prove to the World that she is a strong contender for the Gold medal at the Winter Olympics in 2010.

Paolo