Isle of Man Sports Awards: Olympic snowboarder to be guest of honour

Zoe Gillings-Brier now runs a ski and snowboard academy in Austria

Olympic snowboarder Zoe Gillings-Brier will be the guest of honour at the Isle of Man Sports Awards this month.

The Manx athlete is the only British snowboarder to have competed in four Winter Games.

She said: "I'm really looking forward to celebrating with everyone this year."

Last year TT racer Conor Cummins and equestrian Yasmin Ingham were awarded the top honours at the ceremony.

The shortlist of this year's contenders was unveiled last month.

'Extremely honoured'

Gillings-Brier competed at the PyeongChang Games in 2018, reaching the quarter-finals, but has since retired from competing.

She also has one win and six podium finishes in World Cup events, and currently runs a training academy for skiers and snowboarders in Austria.

She said she was "extremely honoured" to be this year's special guest.

"I've attended the awards many times as an athlete and have never failed to be astounded by the achievements," she said.

Education, Sport and Culture Minister Julie Edge said: "I am delighted that Zoe has accepted our invitation.

"I am sure everyone who attends will learn from her remarkable sporting journey, and take inspiration from it."

The winners will be announced at the Villa Marina in Douglas on 28 February.

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