2026 Olympic Snowboarding Athletes to Watch

2026 Olympic snowboarding athletes to watch are already turning heads at the Milan-Cortina Winter Games, and if you love the rush of gravity-defying tricks and heart-pounding races, you’re in for an absolute treat. Picture this: massive halfpipes carved into Italian mountains, riders launching into the sky for big air spins that seem to defy physics, and snowboard cross chaos where every turn could mean glory or wipeout. The energy is electric right now, with the Games underway, and a mix of seasoned legends and fearless newcomers ready to steal the show.

Snowboarding has evolved into one of the most thrilling Winter Olympic sports, blending creativity, athleticism, and raw courage. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just tuning in for the highlights, these 2026 Olympic snowboarding athletes to watch will keep you glued to the screen. Let’s dive into the disciplines, spotlight the standouts, and explore why this year feels extra special.

Why the 2026 Olympic Snowboarding Athletes to Watch Feel So Exciting

The Milan-Cortina venues are stunning—think pristine Alps backdrop with perfectly groomed features—and the field is deeper than ever. Veterans are chasing historic three-peats, while teenagers are landing tricks that pros a decade ago only dreamed about. Add in the pressure of Olympic stakes, and every run feels like a story unfolding in real time.

Who doesn’t love an underdog story? Or watching a dominant force cement their legacy? These 2026 Olympic snowboarding athletes to watch deliver both. From technical mastery in halfpipe to fearless amplitude in big air, the level has skyrocketed. So grab your favorite drink, settle in, and let’s meet the riders who could define these Games.

Men’s Halfpipe: 2026 Olympic Snowboarding Athletes to Watch

Halfpipe remains the classic showcase of amplitude, style, and progression. Riders soar 20+ feet above the lip, stringing together spins, grabs, and flips in a flowing dance with the pipe.

Scotty James (Australia)

Scotty James arrives as the man to beat. The Australian superstar has dominated World Cups for years, blending massive height with clean, stylish grabs. His signature frontside double cork 1260 and switch backside 1260 are executed with such control it looks effortless. After silver in 2018 and bronze in 2022, Scotty is hungry for gold. Can he finally top the podium under Olympic pressure? Absolutely one of the top 2026 Olympic snowboarding athletes to watch.

Yuto Totsuka (Japan)

Yuto Totsuka brings Japanese precision to the pipe. Known for his huge amplitude and technical combos—like backside 1440s—he’s consistently on the podium this season. Still young but already a veteran of multiple Olympics, Yuto has that quiet confidence that explodes into massive runs. If he hits his best, he could upset the favorites.

Emerging Threats

Keep an eye on rising talents like Valentino Guseli (Australia), who’s been pushing boundaries with creative lines and huge airs. The men’s halfpipe final promises drama—who will land the cleanest, highest run when it matters most?

Women’s Halfpipe: 2026 Olympic Snowboarding Athletes to Watch

The women’s side is stacked, with progression happening at lightning speed.

Chloe Kim (USA)

Chloe Kim needs no introduction. The two-time Olympic gold medalist (2018 and 2022) is chasing history with a potential three-peat. Her runs are packed with back-to-back 1080s, methodical yet explosive. After taking time away to focus on mental health, Chloe returned stronger, proving she’s human but still superhuman on snow. Watching her drop in feels like witnessing greatness unfold.

Gaon Choi (South Korea)

Gaon Choi, the teenage sensation from South Korea, has been shattering records. She’s already posting scores that rival veterans, with massive airs and technical spins. Her fearless approach reminds everyone how quickly the next generation is arriving. Could this be the year a newcomer dethrones Chloe? Gaon is definitely among the must-see 2026 Olympic snowboarding athletes to watch.

Other Contenders

Mitsuki Ono (Japan) and Maddie Mastro (USA) bring consistency and style that could land them on the podium if the leaders falter.

Men’s Slopestyle and Big Air: 2026 Olympic Snowboarding Athletes to Watch

Slopestyle and big air reward creativity and guts—huge jumps, rails, and massive rotations.

Su Yiming (China)

Su Yiming enters as the big air favorite after his 2022 gold. The Chinese phenom throws triple corks with ease, including his signature backside 1800. His style is smooth yet progressive, and he’s been untouchable in qualifiers. If he brings that same energy to finals, gold feels almost inevitable.

Mark McMorris (Canada)

Mark McMorris is the grizzled veteran with multiple Olympic medals and X Games golds. His rail game is unmatched, and his cab 1800s are textbook. Coming back from serious injuries throughout his career, Mark’s resilience is inspiring. He knows how to peak for Olympics—don’t count out the Canadian legend.

Red Gerard and Marcus Kleveland

Red Gerard (USA), the 2018 slopestyle gold medalist, brings playful style and clutch performances. Marcus Kleveland (Norway) pushes technical limits with switch tricks and creative lines. Jake Canter (USA) has also been turning heads with recent World Cup wins.

Women’s Slopestyle and Big Air: 2026 Olympic Snowboarding Athletes to Watch

The women are landing triples and pushing boundaries like never before.

Mia Brookes (Great Britain)

Mia Brookes, still a teenager, already owns the first women’s triple cork in competition. Her big air runs are fearless, and her slopestyle creativity shines on rails. As a rising star, she’s the future arriving early—expect fireworks.

Zoi Sadowski-Synnott (New Zealand)

Zoi Sadowski-Synnott, the 2022 slopestyle gold medalist, combines technical rails with huge jumps. Her smooth style and consistency make her a perennial threat. Quietly confident, Zoi could repeat or add big air gold to her resume.

Anna Gasser (Austria)

Anna Gasser, the big air pioneer, invented multiple women’s firsts. Though she’s had injury setbacks, when healthy, her amplitude and cab doubles are breathtaking.

Snowboard Cross: 2026 Olympic Snowboarding Athletes to Watch

Snowboard cross is pure adrenaline—six riders battling down a chaotic course full of jumps, berms, and contact.

Lindsey Jacobellis (USA)

Lindsey Jacobellis finally claimed Olympic gold in 2022 after years of near-misses. Now in her 40s, she’s still dominating World Cups with tactical racing and fearless passing. Her experience is unmatched—could she add another medal before retiring?

Alessandro Hämmerle (Austria) and Eliot Grondin (Canada)

On the men’s side, Alessandro Hämmerle (Austria) and Eliot Grondin (Canada) are speed demons who excel in drafting and overtaking. The mixed team event adds extra excitement—watch for strategic partnerships.

Emerging Talents and Dark Horses Among 2026 Olympic Snowboarding Athletes to Watch

Beyond the big names, keep an eye on rookies making their Olympic debut. Riders like Ollie Martin (USA) in big air and Hallie Clarke (Canada, though more skeleton) represent the next wave. Snowboarding’s beauty lies in its unpredictability—one perfect run can change everything.

What Makes These 2026 Olympic Snowboarding Athletes to Watch Unmissable

It’s the blend of athleticism and artistry. These riders train year-round, risking injury for moments of perfection. The Italian venues add glamour—sunny days, passionate crowds, and perfect snow conditions. Whether you love technical tricks or raw speed, there’s something for everyone.

Conclusion

As the Milan-Cortina 2026 Games unfold, these 2026 Olympic snowboarding athletes to watch are delivering unforgettable moments. From Chloe Kim’s quest for history to Su Yiming’s sky-high spins and Mia Brookes’ fearless triples, the level of talent is off the charts. Snowboarding keeps evolving, pushing human limits while staying true to its rebellious roots.

So tune in, cheer loud, and appreciate the courage it takes to drop into that halfpipe or launch off a 50-foot kicker. These athletes remind us why we love winter sports—they make the impossible look effortless. Who will stand atop the podium? Only the snow knows, but one thing’s certain: you won’t want to miss a single run.

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