With Covid-19 preventing international competitors from coming to New Zealand for the annual Winter Games, some of our top up-and-comers now have a chance to go up against Aotearoa's very best snow sport athletes.
One such “little ripper”, Lucia Georgelli, first picked up skis as an eight-year-old and has been in love with snow sports ever since.
“It just brought happiness,” Lucia said.
Fourteen-year-old Lucia grew up inspired by 2018 Winter Olympics bronze medallist Zoi Sadowski-Synnott, which is partly why she pursued snowboarding.
After six years, she's fought her way to the top as the current national junior champion; a product of the park and pipe high performance programme as one of 10 core athletes identified as emerging talent.
Coincidentally, in a sport of full circles, Lucia has now gotten to train alongside her idol, who has been impressed by the youngster’s skills.
“She’s a sick little ripper and always keen to try new stuff,” Sadowski-Synnott said.
”It’s cool seeing her come up and progress.”
With role models like Sadowski-Synnott and upcoming talent like Lucia, it's safe to say the future of snow sports is in good hands.
Even if the younger ones make it a little competitive.
“To be the one to beat - that's my goal,” Lucia said.
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