Zoe Atkin Reflects on Olympic Bronze, Scoring Controversy, and Sisterly Rivalry
In an exclusive interview, British freestyle skiing star Zoe Atkin has opened up about her bittersweet experience at the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, where she secured a brilliant bronze medal. The 23-year-old athlete, who helped cap Great Britain's best-ever Games performance, shared insights into a controversial scoring decision that left many observers questioning the outcome, as well as the profound influence of her sisterly rivalry with older sibling Izzy Atkin.
A Dream Realised with a Touch of Controversy
Zoe Atkin's journey to the podium in Livigno was marked by high expectations, given her status as a heavy favourite following a gold medal win at the X Games just weeks prior. Her first run in the final provided a solid foundation, placing her at the top of the leaderboard and offering a sense of relief after a disappointing ninth-place finish in Beijing 2022. "Once I landed that first run, the relief I felt was so palpable," Atkin recalled, highlighting the emotional weight of the moment.
However, the final results sparked debate. Atkin's third run, which included a never-before-landed trick in competition, earned her a score of 92.50, narrowly behind China's Li Fanghui at 93.00, pushing her into bronze position by half a point. Many, including GB Snowsport chief executive Vicky Gosling, felt underscored, noting Atkin's exceptional amplitude—reaching heights of 5.4 meters above the half-pipe, significantly higher than her competitors. "The minimum I thought she was going to get on the back of that run was silver," Gosling remarked, echoing widespread sentiment.
Maturity in the Face of Adversity
Atkin responded to the scoring controversy with characteristic maturity, acknowledging the subjective nature of judged sports. "In any judged sport, there's going to be discourse around which athletes should have been in what position," she said, emphasizing her pride in pushing the boundaries of her sport. As a student at Stanford University, studying psychology and cognitive science, Atkin has developed a thoughtful approach to fear and performance, rejecting the 'daredevil' label often associated with freestyle skiing. "I've learned how much power you have over your own mind," she explained, inspiring younger athletes with her message of bravery amidst fear.
Sisterly Bonds and Future Goals
The Olympic bronze holds special significance for Atkin, as it mirrors the achievement of her sister Izzy, who won a slopestyle bronze at PyeongChang 2018. "It's really cute that we have, like, little twin medals," Atkin grinned, though she admitted to a friendly desire to "one-up her" in the future. The family's presence in Livigno made for a full-circle moment, with Izzy spectating this time after Zoe had watched her sister compete eight years prior.
Despite the post-Olympic comedown, Atkin remains driven, viewing the medal as a "dream come true" but not an endpoint. "The work doesn't stop just because the Olympics are over," she asserted, looking ahead to the French Alps 2030 Games. With sisterly rivalry as a key motivator, Atkin is already setting her sights on new heights, both on and off the slopes.
