Heart-break for Fuller as medal chances are blown away

Aimee Fuller’s chances of a Winter Olympics medal have been literally blown away.

The Bangor-based 26-year-old who had been one Team GB’s big hopes in the snowboarding events, had a heavy crash early today in the women’s slopestyle after a gale-force gust blew her off course.

Fuller tweeted she was “gutted” but she could do little against the elements.

She did admit she feared for her safety as the gusty weather continued to play havoc with the Winter Olympics programme in Pyeongchang.

Fuller finished 17th in the women's snowboard slopestyle event after the qualification runs had been cancelled on Sunday, putting all 26 competitors straight through to the final.

But the weather problems prevailed and Fuller considered herself fortunate to escape injury after crashing off her final jump on the course at the Phoenix Snow Park.

Fuller said: Conditions today were definitely a challenge. It was for sure not what I dreamed of for an Olympic final, but it is what it is and I'm lucky to be in one piece right now.''

The conditions Fuller to take evasive action during the first of her two runs which scored 34.62, before a more ambitious second routine earned 41.43 despite her crash off the last jump.

There were huge gusts of wind - I've decided to call it the 'Pyeongchang Gust','' added Fuller.It is the final, but you've got to think about your welfare as well.

On the second run I wanted it, I was so hungry for it and I gave my absolute all. I felt like I had the right speed but once I was in the air there was a gust of wind that took me sideways and swept me off my feet.'

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