Zoe Atkin’s path to the top of the halfpipe podium has been nothing short of inspiring. At the 2025 FIS Freestyle Ski and Snowboard World Championships in St. Moritz, Switzerland, the 21-year-old British-American skier captured the women’s halfpipe world title, delivering a masterclass in both technical execution and mental resilience. Her gold medal marks a significant turning point in her career—one shaped by both promise and perseverance—and further cements her status as a rising star in the world of Winter Olympic freestyle skiing.
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Atkin, whose sister Isabel is an Olympic bronze medalist in slopestyle skiing, has long been seen as a rising star in Winter Olympic freestyle skiing. Her latest triumph, however, is more than just a moment of personal success; it’s a bold statement that she has firmly arrived on the world stage.
A Redemption Arc in Winter Olympic Freestyle Skiing
Zoe’s world championship victory comes on the heels of an emotionally turbulent period. At the 2022 Winter Olympic in Beijing, she narrowly missed the podium, finishing ninth in the halfpipe final. Though just 19 at the time, the disappointment left a lasting impression. That result stung, she admitted after her win in St. Moritz. “I knew I could do more. I wanted to prove it—not just to others, but to myself.
Her gold medal run in St. Moritz featured a seamless blend of amplitude, style, and innovation. Atkin opened with a stylish left 900 mute grab, followed by a switch right 720 and a corked left 1080—earning roars from the crowd and high marks from the judges. Her ability to maintain flow and control throughout the run, while increasing difficulty with each hit, was the culmination of years of refinement and focused training.
Atkin’s win is also historic. She becomes the first British woman to win a halfpipe world title, a feat that reflects the growing global footprint of Winter Olympic freestyle skiing, traditionally dominated by athletes from North America and Scandinavia. You Can Read Winter Olympic 2026: Birk Ruud Exclusive Evolution is My Superpower in Olympic Freestyle Skiing
The Evolution of Winter Olympic Freestyle Skiing
Atkin’s world championship is not just a personal milestone—it’s part of a broader evolution within Winter Olympic freestyle skiing. Since its introduction to the Winter Olympic Games in 1992 with moguls, Winter Olympic freestyle skiing has grown to include aerials, ski cross, slopestyle, big air, and halfpipe. Each discipline pushes the boundaries of athleticism, creativity, and courage.
The halfpipe event, in particular, has matured into one of the most visually arresting and technically demanding spectacles of the Games. Athletes launch up to 20 feet out of the 22-foot icy pipe, executing gravity-defying tricks that require split-second timing and immense strength. Zoe Atkin’s success is a testament to how the next generation of athletes is redefining what’s possible within the sport.
Paving the Way to Winter Olympic Milano Cortina 2026
The inclusion of women’s halfpipe in the Olympics in 2014 marked a significant step forward for gender equity in Winter Olympic freestyle skiing. Since then, athletes like Maddie Bowman, Cassie Sharpe, and Eileen Gu have set new benchmarks. Zoe Atkin now enters this esteemed company, signaling a continued rise in the level of competition—and innovation—on the women’s side.
As we look ahead to the Winter Olympic Milano Cortina 2026, Atkin’s world title makes her a serious contender for Olympic gold. With new tricks in development and an unwavering drive to improve, she’s poised to be one of the headline athletes in freestyle skiing’s next Olympic chapter.
The Power of Sisterhood and Support
Behind every great athlete is a network of support, and for Zoe, much of that comes from her sister Isabel. The two have trained together extensively and pushed each other from a young age. While Isabel’s success in slopestyle helped pave the way, Zoe has carved out her own legacy in the pipe. It’s really special to share this journey with my sister, Zoe said in a post-competition interview. She’s been my inspiration and my rock through all the ups and downs.
The Atkin sisters represent a rare double act in elite skiing. Born in the United States to a British father and Malaysian mother, they hold dual citizenship and have chosen to compete for Great Britain. Their multicultural background and international upbringing offer a refreshing perspective in a sport still largely centered in alpine nations.
Overcoming Setbacks and Building Resilience
Atkin’s road to the top has not been without setbacks. A knee injury in 2023 forced her to sit out most of the season, including several key Olympic qualifiers. Rather than rushing back, she chose to focus on recovery and long-term performance—a decision that now appears incredibly wise. It taught me patience, she said. Injuries are part of the game, but they also force you to find strength in other areas—mental resilience, strategy, planning. I’m stronger for it.
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Her rehabilitation included time in the gym, on the trampoline, and mental training to manage competition anxiety. These investments paid off handsomely when she returned to snow, stronger and more determined than ever.
Mastery in Technical Execution and Style
Atkin’s progression has been marked by a notable increase in both technical difficulty and execution. While many athletes rely on one or two big tricks to anchor their run, Atkin’s success comes from her ability to stitch together a complete sequence—each hit clean, purposeful, and aesthetically sharp.
She’s one of the smoothest skiers we’ve ever seen, said former Olympic medalist and commentator Devin Logan. She doesn’t just go big—she makes it look effortless, and that’s what sets her apart. In a sport where judges reward style as much as difficulty, Atkin has struck an ideal balance. Her left-right switch combinations, grabs held long and clean, and natural flair have become her signature.
Aiming for Winter Olympic Milano Cortina 2026 and Beyond
With her world title secured, Atkin now sets her sights on the Winter Olympic 2026. She’s expected to compete in multiple World Cup events leading up to Winter Olympic Milano Cortina 2026, where she’ll look to solidify her status as a favorite for Olympic gold.
Beyond competition, she also hopes to inspire the next generation of female skiers. I want girls to see that they belong in the pipe, she said. “That they can fly just as high and dream just as big. Atkin has already begun mentoring younger athletes through various outreach programs and training camps. Her commitment to elevating the sport off the slopes is just as impressive as her achievements on them.
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