12 February 1998: Nicola THOST of Germany, gold medallist in the women's halfpipe snowboard event at the XVIII Winter Olympic Games in Nagano. Credit: Getty Images/Nathan Bilow

Born: 3 May 1977

Birthplace: Pforzheim (Germany)

Nationality: Germany

Sport: Skiing

ATTENDANCE AT THE OLYMPIC GAMES

Nagano 1998

Salt Lake City 2002

AWARDS

Olympic medals:

Gold: 1

First Women's Halfpipe Champion

Nicola Thost participated in gymnastics and skiing before switching to snowboarding at the age of thirteen. At the inaugural Olympic snowboarding competition in 1998, she was in second place after the first round of the halfpipe final. Known for her "big air," flying high and far, Thost came through with a strong second run to take the gold medal. She returned to the Olympics in 2002 and placed 11th.