TEAM GB MOURNS
Who was Ellie Soutter? Team GB snowboarder, who died on 18th birthday in France
TEAM GB snowboarder Ellie Soutter died suddenly on July 25, 2018.
The young star passed away on her 18th birthday. Here’s the story of the rising star and her tragic death.
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Who was Ellie Soutter?
Rising star Ellie was tipped to be a future Olympian after her outstanding successes at junior level.
She was a specialist in the Freeride and Boardercross disciplines and was due to return to snowboard cross competition in August.
The talented snowboarder had also just been selected for the British team for the Junior World Championships in New Zealand.
Ellie grew up in Surrey but moved to the French Alps a few years ago.
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When did she die?
Ellie sadly passed away on Wednesday, July 25, 2018 – her 18th birthday.
She was found dead in a remote woodland near her home in Les Gets France, where she had been living to pursue her dreams as a professional snowboarder.
A day later, her heartbroken dad Tony paid tribute to her in a Facebook post, saying: “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!”
And on July 31, he revealed a missed flight to Team GB training might have caused her suicide.
A memorial was held at the Hotel Spa Crychar in Les Gets, France on Friday, July 27, 2018, at 6.30pm local time.
Tony also warned of the pressure young athletes were under.
"Mental health awareness needs to be really looked at and made more public," he told the.
Ellie's funeral is set to take place on August 2.
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What was Ellie’s career like?
Aged just 16, Ellie claimed Team GB's only medal at the European Youth Olympic Winter Festival in Erzurum, Turkey, in 2017 by bringing home a bronze.
The youngster was due to represent the UK again after being selected for the Junior World Championships in New Zealand.
It has been reported that Ellie was struggling for funds to train and compete since the sport costs a staggering £28,000 per year, with the young athlete on the hunt for a full commercial sponsorship to keep her on track to compete in the Olympics.
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Her “ultimate goal” was qualifying for Team GB for the 2022 winter Olympics in Beijing - after representing Britain as a youth Olympian.
Ellie was also an inaugural member of the British Europa Cup snowboard cross programme, which got underway earlier this year.
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Has Team GB issued a statement?
In a joint statement, British Olympic Association chairman Hugh Robertson and athlete commission chairman Ben Hawes 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."
The statement added that Soutter was due to return to competition next month after being selected for the British team heading for the Junior World Championships in New Zealand.
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