Snowboard Big Air – Womens
What a nail-biting competition it was in Livigno with Zoi Sadowski-Synnott taking silver in the Big Air final and her third Big Air Olympic medal.
Zoi, from Wānaka, failed to land her first run, leaving it to her second and third run to top the leaderboard before being overtaken for the gold medal by the exceptional Kokomo Murase of Japan.
“It was an electric atmosphere on the ground, so much support from family, friends and fellow athletes, and Zoi proved once again she is both an extraordinary athlete and experienced competitor, no matter who she is up against,” said Snow Sports NZ Chief Executive Nic Cavanagh.
“Today she faced up to the best in the world and made New Zealand proud yet again. On behalf of Snow Sports NZ, just huge respect and congratulations to Zoi, her coaches and support team.”
Sadowski-Synnott, who is competing in her third Olympics, became the first New Zealander to win a gold at the Winter Games in 2022 when she triumphed in women’s Slopestyle. She followed with a silver in Big Air. She also won bronze in Big Air at the 2018 Games when she was 16.
Team mate Lucia Georgalli missed out on qualifying for the finals in Big Air but will be back for Slopestyle.
Snowboard Big Air – Mens
The New Zealand Team got their Milano Cortina campaign off to a perfect start with Lyon Farrell, Rocco Jamieson and Dane Menzies all qualifying through to finals in Snowboard Big Air. After an exciting qualifying round, the action returned with Dane, Lyon and Rocco competing in the Olympic final and finishing in sixth, eighth and ninth respectively.
Rocco described his Olympic final as “an indescribable, insane experience, especially with the two other Kiwi boys. Doing it together, full team, it’s something really special.”
Freeski Slopestyle – Womens
In the women’s qualifying round, Ruby Star Andrews finished in 17th place and Sylvia Trotter in 20th meaning they did not go through to the finals. Coming back from a major injury — a dislocated hip just three months ago — Andrews was pleased to put down two clean runs and has shifted her focus to the Big Air competition. Trotter was buzzing after the event. “It felt so amazing to compete at my first Olympic Games, vibes are through the roof.”
Freeski Slopestyle – Mens
New Zealand’s Freeski Slopestyle athletes jumped into action with Ben Barclay and Luca Harrington qualifying through to finals in sunny, calm conditions at the Livigno Snow Park.Lucas Ball finished in 20th place but was happy with his day. “That was super fun,” he said. “I’m really glad to see the other two boys go through.” The final is tomorrow.
PC- Tim Marshall
2 hours ago
Olympics