Central’s star stuns for a silver

"This is for all of them".

Wānaka snowboarder Zoi Sadowski-Synnott dedicated her Winter Olympics big air silver medal to her support network helping keep her at the top of her game.

"This medal represents all the people who have helped me get here and stay in snowboarding and stay at the highest level," Sadowski-Synnott told Sky Sport.

"My coaches, my support team ... as well as my family and friends who support me off the snow as well."

The 24-year-old brushed off an early wobble to land her final two runs cleanly and earn second place on the podium at Milano Cortina yesterday.

Japanese boarder Murase Kokomo was crowned the champion and Korean newcomer Yu Seungeun won bronze.

"Oh my goodness — that was amazing," Sadowski-Synnott said.

"I’m just really grateful that I was able to put it down.

"This means so much to me."

She became the first athlete to win three medals in snowboarding big air — after winning silver in Beijing and bronze in Pyeongchang — and became New Zealand’s fifth most decorated Olympian with her fourth medal overall.

Sadowski-Synnott was moved by a rousing haka from New Zealand support staff and raced over to hug her family, most of whom have made the trip to Italy with pride.

"I can’t wait to celebrate with them.

"They’ve come halfway across the world to watch me compete.

"To give them this is pretty special.

"I think we need to get my Dad a drink, for sure."

kayla.hodge@odt.co.nz