Team GB snowboarder Maisie Hill proud of her Milano Cortina Winter Olympics debut three years after life-threatening crash

Team GB snowboarder Maisie Hill said she felt proud and thankful after competing at her first Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina. The 25-year-old from Cheltenham took part in both the big air and slopestyle events. Her appearance came after a long recovery from a serious training accident in 2023 that left doctors unsure if she would walk again. Although she did not reach the finals, Hill described the experience as unforgettable and emotional for her and her family.

Hill’s Olympic journey is remarkable because she had suffered major injuries, including damage to her spine, ribs and pelvis. She also had a punctured lung, internal bleeding in the brain and heavy blood loss from a liver wound. After years of rehabilitation, she returned to competition and earned selection in a 20-member Team GB snowsport squad, achieving a personal milestone by finally reaching the Winter Games.

Maisie Hill battles back to the Winter Olympic stage

Maisie Hill fell during her first slopestyle run but successfully completed her second attempt and finished 21st with 48.66 points. Speaking to BBC Radio Gloucestershire, she explained that the moment of landing her run brought relief and happiness after missing the first attempt. She said she felt proud because she had worked very hard to reach that point and simply being able to perform on the Olympic course meant a lot to her.

She also described the event as overwhelming at first and said it felt almost unreal to be competing at the Milano Cortina Games after everything she had endured. Hill added that she loved the atmosphere and believed it was amazing to stand among the world’s best riders.

The qualification round had been moved forward due to heavy snowfall. Hill understood the organisers’ decision and noted that the conditions would have made competition difficult the next day. However, she admitted the schedule change left her with less preparation time and she could not attempt the full run she had planned.

Since returning from injury, Hill has recorded several top-10 World Cup finishes, including a fifth place. She missed out on the big air final but supported teammate Mia Brookes, who was still in medal contention. Hill said she wished she had performed slightly better but felt proud of her teammates and the whole team environment.

Reflecting on her journey, she said coming from Cheltenham to the Olympics felt strange but special, and she remained grateful for the opportunity. Looking ahead, Hill made clear she intends to continue competing and believes her story is far from finished.


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