Snowboarder Zoi Sadowski-Synnott and Freeski athlete Ben Barclay have been named Ngā Pou Hāpai (flag bearers) for the New Zealand Team at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games.
The pair were formally announced as Ngā Pou Hāpai Tāne and Wahine by Chef de Mission Marty Toomey during a special team gathering at New Zealand Lodge in Livigno, shared with NZ Team friends and whānau.
“I feel very honoured to be selected as flag bearer, this is incredibly special,” Sadowski-Synnott said.
“To share this with Beano [Ben] who I’ve spent a lot of my career with, not only on my snowboard but off it too, is special. He’s just an all-round great human being and I’m proud to be sharing this moment with him,” she said.
Barclay echoed Sadowski-Synnott’s feelings of pride.
“It’s an honour to wear the kākahu and be chosen as a flag bearer alongside such a good friend as Zoi. To lead the team into the opening ceremony is a privilege for both of us,” said Barclay.
“When the kākahu was put on our shoulders it gave me a bit of a shiver, it’s an honour that not many people get to experience and to carry that forward throughout this Olympic experience will be incredible,” he said.
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Both Sadowski-Synnott and Barclay can recall moments that have shaped their own Olympic experience.
“I vividly remember watching back home when Beau-James Wells was flag bearer, and then in-person seeing Finn Bilous and Alice Robinson having that honour in Beijing. Both moments really stuck with me, so being asked to follow in their footsteps alongside Zoi is an honour,” said Barclay.
“I also remember my first Olympics and Beau-James being presented the kākahu to lead the team in PyeongChang, it was super special. I just hope to lead the NZ team in a way that can make everyone proud, it means a lot to me,” she said.
The flag bearers are selected by the Chef de Mission, who considers factors such as past performances, leadership qualities, the ability to inspire teammates, and each athlete’s competition preparation and performance standards.
NZ team Chef de Mission, Marty Toomey presented Te Hono Ki Matariki, the first of the NZ team’s kākahu (cloak) to Sadowski-Synnott and Barclay was presented with Aroha Atu Aroha Mai.
“These two are not only incredible athletes, but incredible human beings,” Toomey said.
“Both Zoi and Ben embody the leadership qualities we value in the New Zealand team. They work hard, they stay grounded and they lift the people around them.
“Ben represents resilience, commitment and genuine care for his teammates. He has earned deep respect across the team through his attitude, his professionalism and the way he supports others.
“Zoi has set new standards for New Zealand snow sports. Her consistency, her competitive courage and the way she carries herself make her a powerful example for every athlete here.
“Having Zoi and Ben lead this team into Milano Cortina 2026 is something we can all be proud of. They reflect the spirit we want to take into these games,” Toomey said.
New Zealand Olympic Committee chief executive Nicki Nicol congratulated both Sadowski‑Synnott and Barclay on the honour.
“Both Zoi and Ben join a proud legacy of New Zealand flag bearers who have led our NZ teams with mana and pride; we are thrilled to see them carry that legacy forward.”
Sadowski-Synnott, Olympian No 1384, has a full set of Olympic medals, having represented the NZ team at PyeongChang 2018, where she won bronze in Big Air, and at Beijing 2022, where she won gold in Slopestyle and silver in Big Air.
Barclay, Olympian No 1520, represented the NZ team at the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games in Freeski Slopestyle and Big Air, finishing 10th in Slopestyle, which stands as New Zealand’s best result in the event.