Janina Kuzma

Freeskier Janina Kuzma represented New Zealand at the 2014 Olympic Winter Games in Sochi where she placed fifth in the halfpipe.

Prior to her Olympic campaign Kuzma was one of the most versatile female freeskiers in the world, competing in big mountain as well as halfpipe. She has won the NZ Freeski Open Big Mountain event seven times, is a two-time Canadian Freeski Champion and two-time World Heli Challenge Champion. 

Following the announcement in 2011 that freeski halfpipe had been added to the Olympic schedule, Janina decided to take a break from the Freeride World Tour and instead followed the FIS World Cup circuit, competing solely in the halfpipe discipline as she sought to qualify for the Sochi Olympic Winter Games.

Her career continues to go from strength to strength. A solid 2014/2015 northern hemisphere season saw Janina claim the overall Sprint US Grand Prix series title for women’s halfpipe and finish second overall on the FIS Freeski World Cup tour.

Janina was named Central Otago Sportswoman of the Year and Supreme Winner for her achievements in 2014 and 2015.