Tess Coady embraces power of positive thought to win snowboard slopestyle bronze at Beijing Winter Olympics

Fairytales don't come any sweeter than this.

Four years ago Tess Coady was suffering as no athlete should have to suffer, watching on as her Olympic competitors carried on without her while she contemplated a lengthy spell on the sidelines and arduous rehabilitation.

Yesterday, she put those demons to rest, completing a run at the Zhangjiakou Genting Snow Park sufficient to qualify her for the final — her «redemption» from the agony of PyeongChang.

Today, she's an Olympic bronze medallist.

«That was crazy,» Coady said in her own indomitable style.

«Honestly, words seriously can't describe.

»That was so sick."

The 21-year-old, who was carrying an ankle ligament injury she suffered in training, never looked worried, despite admitting she was stressed as one by one her competitors sent down their final runs.

In fact, Coady has been a picture of relaxation this whole competition, from «vibing with a bit of dancing and a bit of singing» while heading to the start on the chair lift, her wondrously effusive interviews – conducting them is already a highlight of this Games — right through to her exuberant celebrations.

In fact, she looked just as thrilled for Zoi Sadowski-Synnott winning gold as she did in claiming a medal herself, leading the pile-on that engulfed the Kiwi gold medallist after she landed her massive final back 10 jump.

That might be a result of a premature maturity that comes from knowing how quickly dreams can be dashed at this level.

More likely, though, it is just a reflection on how much love these young women have for each other.

«That's what it's all about,» Coady said.

«This sport is competitive but it's so friendly. Everyone gets on so well … everyone just wants to shred. It's so good watching people ride good.»

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