Historic win for snowboarders

NSWIS snowboarders Holly Crawford and Nate Johnstone created history overnight as they won women’s and men’s snowboard gold in Italy, marking the first time two Australian athletes have won men’s and women’s gold in the same discipline.

Last night’s victory meant Johnstone moves to the top of the men’s world cup rankings by 260 points ahead of Japan’s Ryo Anono, while Crawford closed the gap on China’s Xuetong Cai to 700 points in the women’s standings. If either rider is to top the standings after the final round it will mark the first time an Australian rider has won the overall world cup.

It has been a breakout season for both riders. Crawford has world championship gold and two world cup podium finishes on her resume from this winter, while Johnstone also has world championship gold and two world cup victories from his impressive season.

The final world cup of the season takes place in Arosa, Switzerland on March 26, 2011.