Park City's Zoe Atkin secures her place on Team Great Britain for the 2026 Winter Olympics, showcasing her skills and determination.
PARK CITY, Utah – In a significant achievement for both herself and her community, Park City resident Zoe Atkin has secured her place on Team Great Britain for the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics set to take place in Milan Cortina, Italy. This American-born skier, who possesses dual citizenship through her English father, is poised to compete in her second Olympic Games, bringing with her the title of reigning world champion and the expectations of a strong medal contender.
Atkin's selection follows an outstanding performance during the 2025-26 World Cup season, where she showcased remarkable consistency and skill. Just recently, on January 10, she captured a silver medal in the freeski halfpipe at the US Grand Prix in Aspen, Colorado, with an impressive score of 92.75. This achievement adds to her accolades from earlier in the season, including a gold medal from the Copper Mountain World Cup in December 2025, marking her as a formidable competitor leading into the Olympics.
In an interview with NBC TV following her podium finish in Aspen, Atkin expressed her enthusiasm, stating, "I’m super stoked to land on the podium today, at the last World Cup before the Olympics." This excitement is palpable as she mentioned her plans to incorporate new tricks into her repertoire before the Olympic competition, which she believes will enhance her performance. "I’m lucky to have some training time to add a couple new tricks between now and then, which should be exciting for everyone to watch," she noted, showcasing her commitment to constant improvement and innovation in her sport.
Atkin's recent success is not a stroke of luck but rather the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. She has achieved six consecutive podium finishes, a feat that has solidified her status among the elite in the sport of freeskiing. This string of successes has not only built her confidence but has also generated significant momentum as she gears up for the Olympic stage.
A graduate of the Winter Sports School in Park City, Atkin has utilized the area's world-class facilities to refine her skills. Her journey in competitive skiing has been a family affair, as she trains alongside her sister Izzy, who is also an Olympian. The sisters share a commitment to excellence in their sport, which has been nurtured by their upbringing in a community that values winter sports. Atkin acknowledges the mental challenges of high-stakes competition, particularly after a disappointing ninth-place finish in the Beijing Olympics. However, she has adopted a new perspective focused on enjoying the process and integrating new tricks into her routines, a shift that has evidently paid off in her recent performances.
While her athletic achievements are remarkable, Atkin is also a full-time student at Stanford University. Balancing rigorous academics with the demands of elite athletics is no small feat, but Atkin has demonstrated an impressive ability to manage both commitments. Her experiences at Stanford, where she is exposed to diverse perspectives and challenges, likely contribute to her growth as both an athlete and a person. As the Olympics approach, Atkin enters the competition with a blend of confidence and eagerness, fully aware of the challenges that lie ahead but also excited about the possibilities.
The Park City community is rallying behind Atkin as she prepares to take on the world's best in Milan Cortina. Her potential to bring home a historic medal for Team Great Britain resonates deeply within the local community, where residents are keen to support one of their own. The excitement surrounding Atkin’s journey is palpable; as she represents both her home country and her family’s heritage, she embodies the spirit of determination and excellence.
As the countdown to the Olympics continues, all eyes will be on Zoe Atkin. With her remarkable talent, dedication, and the backing of her community, she is not just aiming for personal glory but also for a chance to make her mark on the global stage. The 2026 Winter Olympics promise to be a pivotal moment in her career, and with her sights set on the podium, Atkin is ready to shine in Milan Cortina. As she prepares for this prestigious event, her journey serves as an inspiration, showing that with hard work and passion, dreams can indeed become a reality.