Otago Olympians eager to put on a ‘good show’

The greatest show on snow is about to begin.

The Winter Olympics get under way in Milano Cortina today and hopes are high New Zealand could be set for its greatest haul of medals yet.

A 17-strong team is packed with world champions and medal contenders, hoping to recreate the heroics of the Beijing team in 2022, which produced New Zealand’s most successful Games.

Wānaka star Zoi Sadowski-Synnott leads the pack after making history by winning gold in the snowboard slopestyle in 2022, becoming the first Kiwi to claim Winter Olympic gold.

World champion freeskiers Finley Melville Ives and Luca Harrington, also from Wānaka, will make their Olympic debuts on the Italian slopes.

‘‘It’s crazy to be here,’’ Harrington said. ‘‘I’ve been waiting for so long to get to the Games, and to compete with my brother, Ben. It’s extremely special.

‘‘To know New Zealanders are backing us, supporting and tuning in means the world. We feel that warmth.’’

Queenstown skiing sensation Alice Robinson is ready to leave it all on the slopes.

‘‘It’s pretty surreal to be here for my third Olympics already,’’ Robinson said.

‘‘I’m really grateful to have everyone’s support and I can’t wait to hopefully put on a good show for you guys in the next two weeks.’’

kayla.hodge@odt.co.nz