Born: 6 March 2001 (Sydney, Australia)
Biography:
Zoi Katherine Sadowski-Synnott MNZM (/ˈzoʊ.i/, born 6 March 2001) is a New Zealand snowboarder, specializing in slopestyle and big air competitions. She has made a significant impact on the sport, achieving remarkable success at a young age. Sadowski-Synnott has established herself as one of New Zealand’s greatest snowboarding talents and has become an inspiration to aspiring athletes worldwide.
Born in Sydney, Australia, Zoi Sadowski-Synnott is the daughter of New Zealand father Sean Synnott and American mother Robin Sadowski. She grew up in the Sydney suburb of Newport before moving with her family to Wānaka, New Zealand, when she was six years old. It was in Wānaka that she discovered her passion for snowboarding and began her journey towards becoming a world-class athlete.
Sadowski-Synnott’s talent quickly became evident as she rose through the ranks of the snowboarding world. She attended Mount Aspiring College, where she balanced her education with her training and competition commitments. Her dedication and hard work paid off when she won the gold medal in the slopestyle event at the 2019 FIS Snowboard World Championships, cementing her status as a rising star in the sport.
In 2018, Sadowski-Synnott represented New Zealand at the Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea. She made history by winning the bronze medal in the women’s big air competition, becoming only the second New Zealander to win a Winter Olympic medal. Her remarkable performance also included becoming the first woman to successfully land a switch backside 900 in competition, a testament to her technical skills and fearless approach to the sport.
At the 2022 Winter Olympics, Sadowski-Synnott further solidified her status as a snowboarding legend. She made history by becoming New Zealand’s first-ever gold medalist at the Winter Olympics when she won the women’s slopestyle event. In addition, she won the silver medal in the big air competition, becoming the first New Zealander to win multiple medals at a Winter Olympics. Her achievements have not only brought glory to New Zealand but have also inspired a new generation of female athletes to pursue their dreams.
Sadowski-Synnott’s success extends beyond the Olympics. She has consistently performed at the highest level in prestigious events such as the Winter X Games. In 2019, she claimed the gold medal in the slopestyle event and the silver in the big air at the Winter X Games in Aspen, Colorado. She repeated her success in 2020 by winning the gold medal in the slopestyle event at the Winter X Games in Hafjell, showcasing her versatility and dominance in the sport.
Despite her young age, Zoi Sadowski-Synnott has already accomplished more than most athletes could dream of. Her dedication, talent, and determination have propelled her to the top of the snowboarding world. As she continues to compete and inspire, she is undoubtedly leaving a lasting impact on the sport and paving the way for future generations of female snowboarders.
Awards:
– Gold medal, Women’s Slopestyle, 2022 Winter Olympics
– Silver medal, Women’s Big Air, 2022 Winter Olympics
– Bronze medal, Women’s Big Air, 2018 Winter Olympics
– Gold medal, Women’s Slopestyle, 2019 FIS Snowboard World Championships
– Gold medal, Women’s Slopestyle, 2019 US Open
– Gold medal, Women’s Slopestyle, 2020 Winter X Games in Hafjell
– Silver medal, Women’s Slopestyle, 2019 Winter X Games in Aspen
– Silver medal, Women’s Slopestyle, 2021 Winter X Games in Aspen
– Bronze medal, Women’s Big Air, 2021 Winter X Games in Aspen