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Freeski athlete Luca Harrington has been named New Zealand Team flag bearer, Pou Hāpai Tāne, for the Closing Ceremony of the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games, capping a strong campaign for the entire NZ Team.
Harrington, who secured a bronze medal in Freeski Slopestyle said the honour was a special way to close out his first Olympic Games.
“To be asked to carry the flag at the Closing Ceremony is a huge honour,” said Harrington.
“This has been an incredible experience and I’m really proud of what we’ve achieved as a team.”
“You grow up watching moments like this and dreaming about being part of them, so this is super special for sure,” he said.
NZ Team Chef de Mission, Marty Toomey, said the Milano Cortina campaign reflected an upward trajectory in results since Beijing 2022.
“Milano Cortina has been a strong Games for us, both in terms of performances and setting a clear path for our snow sports athletes to follow for the next four years,” said Toomey.
Toomey said New Zealand’s athletes consistently delivered at these Games and he’s proud of the entire team.
“We had ten athletes progress through to finals, with a total of 14 finals appearances across the Games which is a superb effort.”
“For our team to earn 11 Olympic Diplomas, awarded for a top eight finish in a final, compared to three in Beijing, shows real growth across the team,” Toomey said.
The New Zealand Team secured three medals at Milano Cortina 2026, equalling Beijing 2022’s medal tally and therefore equalling the team’s most successful Games.
Zoi Sadowski‑Synnott claimed two silver medals in Snowboard Big Air and Snowboard Slopestyle, while Luca Harrington added a bronze in the Freeski Slopestyle.
Sadowski‑Synnott’s performance saw her become the world’s most decorated Olympic snowboarder.
“Zoi is the goat, plain and simple,” said Toomey.
“To see her make history again at these Games speaks to her consistency, professionalism and ability to perform under pressure. She is a wonderful human being and a great team person.”
Several other athletes produced notable performances throughout the Games.
Dane Menzies progressed to two finals and qualified top of the Men’s Snowboard Slopestyle qualifiers, while Alpine Skier Alice Robinson recorded two top eight finishes and was just 0.18 seconds outside a silver medal in one of the closest races of the Games.
“These performances show the depth Snow Sports NZ has developed across various snow disciplines, the NZ Team has performed well and I’m excited to see what this group can do in the coming Olympic cycle.” said Toomey.