Olympic champion Zoi Sadowski-Synnott: an inspiration to a generation

Leader. History-maker. Star.

Very few plaudits have been spared when it comes to describing the achievements of snowboarder Zoi Sadowski-Synnott at Beijing 2022.

But one word above all rings loudest: inspiration.

From stepping up when the pressure was on, to rallying the next generation to get into her sport, the 20-year-old led by example when it came bringing out the best in herself and others at the Games.

In celebration of International Women’s Day, Olympics.com shines a light on the young New Zealander who touched millions of watching Olympic fans with her sporting feats and calls of encouragement.

Sadowski-Synnott made headlines around the world when she won the women’s slopestyle competition to become New Zealand’s first ever Winter Olympic gold medallist.

The two-time world champion and recent X Games winner had been the favourite heading into the event, but Team USA’s Julia Marino was in first place going into the third and final round.

Fully embracing the test of character thrown her way, the Kiwi dropped in at the Genting Snow Park determined give everything on her final run.

Sadowski-Synnott was calmly in control as she navigated the course - until her final trick.

Having looked mid-flight like she may have overcooked her finale 1080 double cork somehow the New Zealander pulled herself back from the brink to land the greatest jump seen in a women’s Olympic slopestyle event.

Thrusting her arms in the air in delight after surviving a deep landing, the Wanaka resident knew then she had done enough to claim Olympic gold.

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Recognising the magnitude of what Sadowski-Synnott had achieved, Marino and Australia's bronze medallist Tess