William BANKES FRA

William about himself:

Born in Hong Kong, and lived in England until aged 7.

I was initiated to skiing when I was 18 months old by my parents, and I loved it. Since then I moved to the French Alps and joined the ski club and the snowboarding club. I continued both disciplines for as long as possible, and eventually turned my full attention to snowboarding.

In 2007 I integrated the French generation team and went to a specialised school in Villard de Lans. Having until here competed only up to a European level, I was very excited to take my first start in the World Cups in 2009/2010.

In 2010/2011 I integrated the French Junior team and took part in nearly all the World Cups, where my best position was 6th, and also was 13th in the World Championships, it was also the first year that I won a European Cup. Thanks to these superb results, I integrated the French Senior team in June of 2011.

My goals for the 2012 season are: a podium in one of the World Cups, finish in the first 16 of the overall ranking. I would also like to get a top 3 result at the Junior World Championships.

In the longer future I would like to get a medal at the Olympics and in the World Championships.