Winter Olympics: NZ's medal prospects improved

A competitor takes part in the men's freestyle slopestyle final at the Junior World Championships in Wanaka last year. Photo / Getty Images

Officials believe New Zealand's medal chances at Olympic Winter Games have been improved by the inclusion of men's and women's ski slopestyle and snowboard slopestye on the Olympic programme.

The decision was taken by the International Olympic Committee executive board today and follows the inclusion in April of ski halfpipe, another strong New Zealand winter sport.

New Zealand Olympic Committee secretary general Kereyn Smith said the addition of the slopestyle events was positive for New Zealand.

"We've got some real talent in ski and snowboard slopestyle and it is pleasing to have events that suit our athletes on the Olympic programme.

"Together with the inclusion of ski half-pipe, the new events will inspire more young New Zealanders to get involved in winter sports."

New Zealanders Shelley Gottlieb, Rebecca Torr and Stefi Luxton are currently competing at a high international level in the women's snowboard slopestyle while Jossi Wells won a silver medal in the 2009 X-Games in ski slopestyle.

Peter Wardell, the New Zealand Olympic chef de mission for the 2012 Innsbruck Youth Olympic Winter Games and the 2014 Olympic Winter Games, said the inclusion of the new events was positive for the future of winter sport in this country.

"These events are ideal for Kiwi athletes and also suit the terrain and facilities that New Zealand has to offer.

"We've got a group of talented young athletes in line for the Olympic Winter Games in both 2014 and 2018. It's an exciting development."

- NZPA