Charlotte Bankes, a notable figure in Team GB's Winter Olympics squad, initially raced for France at her first two Olympic appearances before switching allegiance and competing for Great Britain.
Charlotte Bankes, born in Hemel Hempstead, began her international sports career at the young age of 15, representing France due to her upbringing in the French Alps. During her early years, she quickly made a name for herself by winning two World Junior Championship titles and three French national championships, signaling her potential as a star in winter sports.
Bankes made her Olympic debut at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, where she competed for the French team. In this event, while not medaling, she displayed her capabilities by finishing 17th in the individual competition. She returned to the Olympics four years later for the 2018 Pyeongchang Games, again representing France, where she showcased her growth as an athlete and achieved notable performances.
Subsequently, Bankes made a significant decision to switch her national affiliation to Team GB, marking a new chapter in her athletic career. This shift not only reflects her personal journey and the complexities of national representation in sports but also highlights a trend seen in various sporting disciplines where athletes choose to represent countries that align more closely with their identities and ambitions, raising discussions about nationality and loyalty in competitive sports.
