Ollie Hill makes ParalympicsGB history with first ever snowboard medal

Ollie Hill produced a superb first run in the banked slalom to win ParalympicsGB 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 twentieth 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 the snow was caving in a bit.

“We are on a good path let’s just carrying this on now as I am not dominating yet. I have had some ups and downs but its been amazing - to think I have come away with a medal I cannot put in to 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 day will be so proud too.”

Owen Pick achieved a Paralympic best fourth place finish, while it was another top ten for James Barnes-Miller in ninth place, with Andy Macleod coming in 20th in his banked slalom debut.