Zoe Atkin Pursues Gold in GB Olympic Skiing Quest

Zoe Atkin Pursues Gold in GB Olympic Skiing Quest

Zoe Atkin, the talented freestyle skier, is on a quest for Olympic gold. At just 23 years old, she has become one of Great Britain’s foremost hopes for the upcoming Winter Olympics, scheduled to take place in Italy.

Zoe Atkin’s Journey in Skiing

Atkin’s skiing career began when she was just two years old, inspired by her older sister, Isabel. The family relocated from Massachusetts to Park City, Utah, when Zoe was ten to support Isabel’s skiing aspirations. This mountain town is known for being the largest ski area in the United States. It also hosts the famous Sundance Film Festival.

Training and Development

  • Atkin attended the Winter Sports School in Park City, where academics were prioritized alongside sports.
  • She trained rigorously with the support of Pat Sharples, head coach for GB Snowsport.

In 2018, Zoe witnessed Isabel make history by winning a bronze medal in Slopestyle at the PyeongChang Olympics, becoming Great Britain’s first skiing medallist. This achievement greatly motivated Zoe in her career.

Achievements and Career Milestones

Zoe made her mark in competitive skiing shortly after. In 2019, she secured her first World Cup gold in the halfpipe at the age of 16. In 2022, she debuted at the Olympics, finishing ninth in the halfpipe. Her accolades include:

  • Gold medal at the X Games Aspen in superpipe.
  • World Championship gold in the halfpipe.

Balancing Academics and Athletics

Currently, Zoe is also a student at Stanford University, majoring in symbolic systems, which blends psychology, computer science, and linguistics. Her dedication to both skiing and academics has garnered admiration from her coach, who praises her work ethic and intelligence.

The Upcoming Winter Olympics

As Zoe heads to Italy, she aims to synthesize her diverse experiences into a flawless performance, striving for Olympic gold. Competing against elite athletes, including Eileen Gu, a standout American skier, Atkin’s resolve to succeed is stronger than ever.

Beyond her sports career, Zoe enjoys documenting her travels and culinary experiences, reflecting her cheerful personality. Should she secure a medal, the celebration would certainly involve pizza, pasta, and gelato, echoing her deep fondness for Italian cuisine.

With her sights set on gold, Zoe Atkin represents not only herself but also a legacy of excellence in British skiing.