The Olympic community is devastated by the passing of Ellie Soutter, one of the best up-and-coming snowboarders in Great Britain.
Confirmation of the news came via an official statement made by the Olympic association.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BYxSkdVFeHf
“Ellie was an incredibly popular and well-liked member of the team,”
“Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this sad time.”
It was followed by a painful Facebook post by her mourning father.
“This cruel world took my Soulmate 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!”
The cause of Soutter’s sudden death is unknown at this time.
So sad to hear the news of the passing of @elliesoutter You really were an amazing girl! Such a fun teammate, made me smile everyday, cracking all the jokes and enjoying life to it’s fullest! I’m going to miss you and your amazing energy. 😘 All my thoughts to your family 🙏 pic.twitter.com/0VyswjMQuB
— Emily Sarsfield (@EmSkiCross) July 26, 2018
Ellie Soutter had a promising career ahead of her
Ellie Soutter was the only representative from Great Britain to win a medal during the European Youth Olympic Winter Festival in 2017, claiming bronze in the women’s snowboard cross. She also carried the British flag during the closing ceremony. A Freeride and Boardercross specialist, she was recently selected for the British team for the Junior World Championships in New Zealand.
She grew up in Surrey before moving to the Alps with her father in order to pursue what was a very promising snowboarding career. Her childhood dream was to compete at the Winter Olympics, a dream which would’ve likely come true during the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing.
