Bangor snowboarder Maisie Potter has talked about her heartbreak after being left out by Team GB for the Winter Olympics in Beijing, despite meeting the Olympics’ own qualifying criteria.
The British Olympic Association declined the Olympic qualifying place offered to Maisie, because she hadn’t fulfilled their own, more stringent, criteria. The place in Beijing was then given to the next lower ranked snowboarder.
Whilst Maisie was not in the original list of the top 32 Olympic qualifiers, if other nations have more than 4 competitors or athletes cannot attend for various reasons, riders down the rank are offered so-called ‘hand back’ spots, which Maisie was offered.
However, GB Snowsport sets its own Olympic qualifying criteria, which requires two top 12 positions in World Cup races in the last two years. This is an extremely high standard and many of the women who attend the Olympic Games will not have achieved this.
The criteria are especially difficult in Maisie’s sport of Snowboardcross, it comes down to experience and opportunities – you need races in the qualifying period to achieve those criteria.
A career threating ankle injury in December 2017 meant the former Ysgol Friar’s pupil missed her chance to qualify for the Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang the following year.
After months of rehabilitation, Maisie, 24, fought her way back to full fitness and achieved a second place finish in the 2020 Europa Cup.
Cancelled races due to the Covid-19 pandemic and in some instances the lack of snow, severely restricted Maisie’s opportunities to perform at the highest level over the last two years. She also tested positive for Covid herself just before the last Olympic qualifiers.
In an emotional post on social media, Maisie said: “Despite being qualified and offered a spot by the Olympics, GB rejected the spot as I hadn’t fulfilled their own criteria. Therefore, it has gone to the next lower ranked rider.
“Years of sacrifice, blood, sweat and tears to then not reap the reward on the stage where the world also recognises your efforts.
“Although an expected outcome, my mental health and body is taking its toll. To say the last 4 years have been a fight is an understatement.
“Returning from a traumatic injury solo to a completely new set-up which I never really fit into, being self-funded, fighting just to be entered in World Cups.
“The pandemic on top of the pressure has increased costs, loneliness, constant change of plans, cancelled races, fear of not being able to return home from a foreign country, testing positive and so on.
“I knew it was going to be challenging but I had to give it my best shot and control what I could.
“At the end of the day, it’s not all about the Olympics. We train and race every year, we shouldn’t be defined by the one event every 4 years. However, now to find some motivation & direction again and set new goals.
“So all that being said; everyone who showed up in the last couple years, whether going or not going to the games, deserves a medal because it hasn’t been easy.
“My time will come. The journey is taking longer but the story is not over.
“Massive thank you to my sponsors for enabling me to continue this incredible and humbling career.
“And finally thank you to my family, friends and followers, who have supported me in countless ways.”
In a message of support, Team GB Freestyle Skiing athlete Emily Sarsfield posted on Instagram “Mais, you’re a fighter, a true athlete and I was so lucky to spend a year or so as your teammate!
“I know first-hand how difficult it is, keep digging deep, try stay strong, use the passion you have for the sport to drive you…easier said than done but you CAN do this and you CAN do it with very little support…it just may take a few more sacrifices and a few darker days … but one thing is for sure, it makes the wins so much more rewarding!
“I have your back 100% and will always be here for a shoulder to cry on & support you… we all believe in YOU and can’t wait to see you succeed in your sport & passion.”
