Snowboarder McKenna puts the boot into SnowsportGB

By David Jordan, Sportsbeat

 TWO-time Olympic snowboarder Lesley McKenna has thrown her weight behind the restoration of the British Snowboarding Association and branded SnowsportGB as 'useless'.

HITTING OUT: Lesley McKenna slams SnowsportGB after the national governing body goes into adminstration (Getty Images) 

It was confirmed today that SnowsportGB has gone into administration just a week before the Winter Olympics in Vancouver, following revelations last month that a cash injection of £200,000 was required to keep the national governing body for skiing and snowboarding afloat.

The British Olympic Association have stepped forward and taken responsibility for the 14 skiers and snowboarders due to compete across four disciplines in Vancouver.

The International Ski Federation have backed their move to mobilise a current dormant subsidiary company, Team GB Limited, to act as the temporary national governing body for ski and snowboarding.

But the BSA has hit out at SnowsportGB's overspending, claiming they invested too heavily in alpine skiing and plan to retake the reigns - a move McKenna is in favour of.

"I wasn't surprised at all about SnowsportGB's problems, they've been pretty shoddy for a long time," said McKenna, who is set to assume the role of BSA rider representative.

"I had my funding taken away from me after the Turin Winter Olympics and they haven't helped me out one bit since then.

"There are a lot of people at SnowsportGB who have no idea about any of the sports they are supposed to be taking care of.

"I've been working with SnowsportGB since I was in my teens and they haven't got any better, they still amaze me with their failings.

"Everything I have done in my career has been in spite of SnowsportGB.

"And so I would like to put myself forward to be part of a new body to look after skiers.

"Snowboarding needs a governing body that not only understands the sport but is able to match the progression and creativity of the sport in all areas.

"The time is perfect for the BSA to step forward as the governing body for snowboarding in the UK.

"With a forward thinking, progressive, positive and creative outlook I believe the BSA will work well with existing snowsport bodies in the UK to further the potential of both snowboard athletes and the sport in general."

The BSA merged with SnowsportGB in 2005 but as a result of current circumstances, intend to re-establish themselves and assume control of snowboarding in the UK

McKenna is one of four snowboarders competing in Vancouver this month, alongside fellow halfpipe rider Ben Kilner, snowboardcross athlete Zoe Gillings and Adam McLeish, who will take part in the parallel giant slalom.

At 35, McKenna is the elder stateswoman of the quartet but after one more tilt at the Olympics she is ready to turn her hand to coaching.

"I'm trying to help people out myself now with my coaching work and I would like to think that in the future I could be one of the people who could help make it better.

"I've got the experience of what athletes actually need and want and I'm also involved in the admin and coaching side now as well.

"I've had to make my own way in this sport and get to where I am on my own."