Gillings secures snowboard silver

By Anna Thompson

Gillings was also the last GB snowboarder on the podium in 2004

Zoe Gillings claimed Britain's first World Cup snowboard podium finish for nearly four years with second place in a snowboard cross race in Japan.

The 22-year-old was pipped to gold by Canada's Maelle Ricker in the sixth race of the season at Gujo-Gifu.

But she was delighted with her placing and now wants to go one better with a win in one of the final three races.

Gillings, from the Isle of Man, said: "It's amazing to be back on the podium, and I'd really like gold next time."

She has been consistently in the top 10 all season and is now ranked fourth in the world standings.

Three years ago she suffered a career-threatening injury but refused to accept her competitive career could be over and has battled back to full fitness.

Gillings was the last British snowboarder to take a top three placing in a World Cup event when she finished first and second in two races in Chile in September 2004.