Canada claims second Olympic gold

Canadian Maelle Ricker has won a second gold medal for her host nation in the Winter Olympics women’s snowboard cross.

The 31-year old flew out of the gate to take an early lead in the final run and maintained her position to clinch the title.

The Vancouver resident, who finished fourth in Turin in 2006, came into the games at the top of the world cup standings.

It was an eventful final run with world champion Helen Olafsen of Norway and Olivia Nobs of Switzerland both crashing out half-way through.

French athlete Deborah Anthonioz took silver while Olivia Nobs restarted and claimed the bronze.

Crash

Missing from the final was the hotly tipped, Lindsey Jaocbellis, who crashed on the first corner of the semi-final trying to catch Ricker.

The 24-year-old American had hoped to put her 2006 demons to rest. She crashed in the final run in Turin with the finish line in sight after showboating on the final jump.

Despite poor visibility at the start of the competition Britain’s Zoe Gillings qualified for the elimination runs in sixth place. She eased into the semi final, but only managed third, narrowly missing a place in the final.

The 24-year-old from the Isle of Man suffered a knee injury in the semi causing her to pull up before the first jump in the small final. She finished the competition in eighth place.

"I wasn't sure whether to race the small final and even in the start gate I didn't know how far I'd get down the course," she said.

"As soon as we were about to race I felt my knee again so I decided to pop out of the start gate and then get off the course as soon as possible.

“Overall I'm pretty happy with a top eight in the Olympics. It was a much better experience than Turin four years ago.  I love competing in the Winter Games so now I'll start planning for Sochi in four years' time."