Jossi Wells
New Zealand Olympian: 1244
New Zealand Olympian: 1244
Jossi Wells is New Zealand’s most successful winter athlete having won a host of X Games medals. Wells competed in the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics in halfpipe and slopestyle freestyle skiing, he placed 4th in halfpipe and 11th in slopestyle.
The Wanaka athlete began skiing at the age of two and showed exceptional talent from a young age. Although his true passion has always been freeskiing, Wells also honed his skills in ski racing until the age of 15. His focus is now purely on freeskiing and he competes in the disciplines of slopestyle, halfpipe and big air.
Aged 16 Wells was the youngest ever skier to compete at Winter X Games. At the age of 19 in 2010 Wells was crowned the AFP Overall World Champion earning him the status of "best freeskier in the world".
After a decade as one of the world’s top freeski athletes, Jossi ticked off a career goal by winning an X Games gold medal in January 2016. With five X Games medals already to his name, the top podium spot in slopestyle completed the set. Wells capped off the 2016 northern hemisphere season with a bronze medal in slopestyle at the World Cup in Korea in February. The event also served as a test event for the 2018 PyeongChang Olympic Winter Games.
Born and bred in Wanaka Jossi is the oldest of four brothers. He is coached by his father, Bruce, and spends the majority of the year training and competing in the northern hemisphere, based in Breckenridge, Colorado.
When he’s in New Zealand Wells enjoys skiing at Cardrona Alpine Resort. When he’s not on skis, he can be found skateboarding, riding motorcycles, taking photos and playing music.