Zoe Gillings makes World Cup podium in Switzerland

Gillings (r) knocked out World Number One Lindsey Jacobellis in the semi-final

Isle of Man snowboarder Zoe Gillings has finished on the World Cup podium in Arosa, Switzerland after three hugely impressive performances on Thursday.

The 25-year-old British number one said: "I've had an amazing day and to keep it going all the way to the final is just brilliant."

The event was won by Alexandra Jekova with Callan Chythlook-Sifsof second.

The competition took on a new format with six competitors in each race instead of the traditional four.

Gillings finished third in her quarter-final to book her semi-final place, where the Manx star made a sensational start to make it to the first corner in second place.

She held on to her position all the way to the finish to effectively knock-out world number one Lindsey Jacobellis and Olympic silver medallist Deborah Antonioz.

Gillings finished seventh at the World Championships in La Molina

In the final, a problem with the start gate meant Gillings struggled got away slowly, but when three competitors were involved in a crash further down the course, she moved into third place.

"I managed to get past unscathed and held my nerve," she added.

Gillings has had a turbulent two years, due primarily to funding cuts, but also with a knee injury she suffered at the Olympic Games in Vancouver.

The UK Sport funding she has received for the past four years - albeit intermittently, is officially finishing next week meaning she will have to fund all her future training and competitions herself.

"This season I only received my funding in February (five months late), I've done virtually no training at all in the last 12 months so to podium is incredible."

Gillings will now turn her attention to the final round of the World Cup, which will also be held in Arosa on Friday.