Zoi Sadowski-Synnott: Triumph Over Turbulence on the Snowboarding Stage

New Zealand's first Winter Olympic champion, Zoi Sadowski-Synnott, has made a remarkable comeback in snowboarding after an ankle injury. Triumphing at the World Cup and X-Games, she became the first woman to land a triple cork in a ski or snowboard event. Heading towards the 2026 Winter Games, she aims to defend her slopestyle title.

Grounded by an ankle injury throughout 2024, New Zealand's Zoi Sadowski-Synnott has made an impressive return to snowboarding dominance. The 23-year-old clinched gold medals in both slopestyle and big air at the World Cup in Aspen and claimed the X-Games slopestyle title in Colorado.

Sadowski-Synnott made history by becoming the first woman to land a triple cork in any ski or snowboard event at the X-Games. The trick, a complex maneuver involving three flips while rotating, is notoriously challenging. Her performance sets a high bar for competitors ahead of the 2026 Winter Games in Milano-Cortina.

Reflecting on the journey back from injury, Sadowski-Synnott acknowledged initial struggles with rehabilitation but expressed pride in her achievements. Already New Zealand's most decorated Winter Olympian, she aims to defend her slopestyle title and further her legacy in snowboarding.