Team GB rising star dies on 18th birthday

Ellie Soutter had said it was her 'goal to compete at Beijing 2022'

The British Olympic Association has confirmed the death of Team GB snowboarder Ellie Soutter. Soutter turned 18 on Wednesday. She won Team GB's only medal at the European Youth Olympic Winter Festival in Turkey last year. She was expected to be a part of the squad travelling to the winter Olympics in Beijing in 2022. [caption id="attachment_192049" align="alignnone" width="786"] Team GB snowboarder Ellie Soutter (Credit: Team GB)[/caption] Who father Tony wrote on Facebook: "This cruel world took my Soul mate and "Bessie" from me yesterday on her 18th birthday. "I was so proud of the beautiful young woman she had turned into. Ellie I will miss you more than you could have ever imagined. Rest in peace you little Champion!" Hugh Robertson, British Olympic Association chair, and Ben Hawes, British Olympic Association athlete chair, said: "Ellie was an incredibly popular and well-liked member of the team. "Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this sad time." British Ski and Snowboard said "Ellie was one of the country’s best up-and-coming snowboarders, competing in both snowboard cross and freeride. "She spent the 2017/18 season competing on the Freeride Junior Tour, but was due to return to snowboard cross competition next month after being selected in the British team for the Junior World Championships in New Zealand. "She was an inaugural member of the British Europa Cup snowboard cross programme which commenced earlier this year. "The thoughts and condolences of the British ski and snowboard community are with Ellie’s family, friends and teammates.”