Zoi Sadowski-Synnott begins her Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic title defense as the undisputed favorite in women's snowboarding. The Wanaka-born rider carries New Zealand's highest medal expectations at these Winter Games.

Championship Pedigree

Sadowski-Synnott won slopestyle gold at Beijing 2022, becoming New Zealand's first Winter Olympic champion in 26 years. She followed that with slopestyle and big air gold medals at the 2025 World Championships. The 24-year-old enters these Games on a 12-event winning streak.

Technical Dominance

Her switch backside 1080 is considered the most consistent trick in women's slopestyle. She lands rail combinations with greater precision than any competitor. Judges consistently award her the highest execution scores in competition.