Britain's Izzy Atkin wins bronze in ski slopestyle at Winter Olympics

The 19-year-old, the youngest member of the British team, said she was "really excited and overwhelmed" by her achievement.

Saturday 17 February 2018 08:12, UK

Izzy Atkin had qualified fourth but scored well in the final to claim the bronze
Image: Izzy Atkin had qualified fourth but scored well in the final to claim the bronze
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Izzy Atkin has won Britain's first Winter Olympics skiing medal, with a bronze in the ski slopestyle event.

Atkin, who is based in Park City, Utah, had qualified fourth after an error on her first run.

But the 19-year-old, the youngest member of the British team, scored 84.60 in her final run to claim third place at Phoenix Snow Park.

Izzy Atkin competing in a run of the women's ski slopestyle final event
Image: Izzy Atkin competing in a run of the women's ski slopestyle final event

She told BBC Sport: "I'm just relieved. I'm really happy.

"I'm really excited and overwhelmed.

"There were tons of big names in the field, it could have been anyone's medal.

"I knew I'd skied the best I could and I was just waiting for the last girls to drop.

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"My heart was racing and I couldn't believe it.

"I'm speechless and stoked to win the bronze."

Atkin was beaten by silver medallist Mathilde Gremaud and gold medallist Sarah Hoefflin of Switzerland
Image: Atkin was beaten by silver medallist Mathilde Gremaud and gold medallist Sarah Hoefflin of Switzerland

Atkin, who has British and Malaysian parents, was persuaded to compete for Britain by Park and Pipe ski head coach Pat Sharples, who said: "She's been the dark horse, the little quiet girl who has come from behind and this is just the start of her career."

Sarah Hoefflin of Switzerland won with 91.20 as Mathilde Gremaud, also of Switzerland, finished with silver with 88.00.

Atkin's medal was Britain's second, after Dom Parsons came third in the men's skeleton on Friday.