THE British Olympic Association has paid tribute to Ellie Soutter after the snowboarder died at the age of 18.

Announcing her death, the day after her 18th birthday, chair Hugh Robertson and athlete commission chair Ben Hawes described Soutter as "an incredibly popular and well-liked member of the team."

No further details were given about Soutter's death, with the joint statement adding: "Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this sad time."

The snowboard cross athlete won Team GB's only medal at the European Youth Olympic Winter Festival in Erzurum last year.