Zoe Atkin Pursues Winter Olympics Gold, Inspired by Sister’s Bronze Success

As the Winter Olympics approach, British freeskiing sensation Zoe Atkin is determined to seize her moment. At 23 years old, she is considered a top contender in Milano-Cortina, following a strong performance as the leading qualifier in the freeski halfpipe. This is a significant turn for Atkin compared to her debut in Beijing, where she finished ninth. Her recent accolades include being the reigning world champion and a gold medallist at the X Games, both achieved shortly before the upcoming Olympics.

Zoe Atkin’s Journey to the Olympics

Atkin’s route to the Winter Games has been anything but smooth. During the 2022 Olympics, she faced challenges that threatened her participation, including a delayed Covid-19 test that caused her to miss her flight. This stressful period came at a young age, adding immense pressure during her first Olympic experience. She reflects on her debut, stating that expectations were overwhelming and that she didn’t perform as she hoped.

A New Mindset

After her first Olympics, Atkin recalibrated her approach to skiing. She revealed that she has shifted her focus from merely outcomes to enjoying the sport itself. This process-oriented mindset has helped her regain her passion for skiing and boosted her confidence as she approaches the 2026 Games.

Team GB’s Olympic Performance

The current Olympics have seen mixed results for Team GB, with three gold medals already earned, surpassing their previous single-Games record. Despite the enthusiasm, several athletes, including Atkin’s teammates Kirsty Muir and Mia Brookes, secured fourth-place finishes, just shy of medals.

Inspirations and Rivalries

• Atkin is motivated by her sister Izzy, who won a bronze medal in freeski slopestyle at the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympics.
• The siblings share a friendly rivalry, with Zoe aiming to match or exceed Izzy’s accomplishment.
• Izzy’s medal serves as a source of inspiration for Zoe, fueling her ambition and dedication to the sport.

Atkin acknowledges that her sister played an instrumental role in her journey to freeskiing. Izzy’s achievements have encouraged Zoe to push beyond her limits while providing valuable lessons in competition. Zoe hopes to alter their sibling dynamic by winning her own Olympic medal, a long-held dream.

Looking Ahead

As the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina draw near, Atkin aims to balance focus on her performance with the aspirations of winning a medal. She understands the importance of landing her runs to earn the desired results. Indeed, her pursuit for Olympic gold is colored with the hopes of following in her sister’s footsteps while carving her own legacy in the sport.