Flawed of the rings

BANKES SUFFERS NEW OLYMPICS NIGHTMARE

- FROM JAMES TONEY in Livigno

CHARLOTTE BANKES could be forgiven for hating the Olympics.

No-one has won more World Cup snowboard cross titles, yet once again the Brit faltered under the bright lights of her sport's biggest stage.

The excitable announcer whooped and hollered, urging the crowd to “expect the unexpected”. Unfortunately for Bankes, it was just more of the same.

She exited in the quarterfinals just as she did four years ago.

Even her post-race comments were a throwback to 2022.

It means Great Britain's first five medal hopes at these Games have all failed to make the podium.

'Remember, we are not a winter sports nation; will be the familiar refrain. Neither is Australia - and they have already struck double gold in these hills, with more in their sights.