British Ranked No 1
World Ranked No 4
British Olympic Association Athlete of the year 2007/08
Zoe had a couple of nasty crashes yesterday whereby the course was closed so she could receive medical attention but this did not deter Zoe, after a short break, battered and bruised she was back on the course. Zoe then went onto qualify in 7th position – one of Zoe’s best qualifying positions since the 2005/06 season.
In Zoe’s first heat today, she stormed into the lead demonstrating a much improved start technique and went onto win the heat in convincing fashion. Zoe then progressed into the second heat where her main competition would be the World No 3, Mellie Francon. Zoe again produced a faultless race, passing Mellie at speed through the mid section showing how her intensive training in the summer months has paid dividends on this physically challenging course. Zoe went onto win this heat securing herself a place in the final.
Zoe had the last lane choice in the final and despite having a fast start out of the gate, the other athletes quickly secured their line into the first jump but Zoe overshot it and crashed badly effectively ending her quest for gold. This type of crash would usually see an athlete taken down by the ski patrol but before anyone could get to Zoe’s assistance, she had already got back onto her feet in chase of the other competitors. Zoe nearly made it into third position as one of the other athletes fell further down the course but narrowly missed out on the podium.
This was an excellent start of the 2008/09 season today by Zoe showing how she means to go on. After the race Zoe commented, “It’s been a really tough race and I have suffered several minor injuries but in true English style I battled through and it ended with a good result.”
Please see zoes website for more information and images from today. www.zoegillings.com.
Web: www.zoegillings.com
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 07515 284608
Tel: 0131 2081158
