Fans can send a personal message to New Zealand's athletes via their Olympic gear this year.

Snowboarder Zoi Sadowski-Synnott and Freeski athlete Ben Barclay have been named Ngā Pou Hāpai (flag bearers) for the New Zealand Team at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games. The pair were formally announced as Ngā Pou Hāpai Tāne and Wahine by Chef de Mission Marty Toomey during a special team gathering at New Zealand Lodge in Livigno,

New Zealand has made a flying start to the Winter Olympics in Italy, with all three men qualifying for the final of the snowboard Big Air event. Lyon Farrell, Rocco Jamieson and Dane Menzies all finished inside the top 12 in a 30-man field to secure their spots in the high-pressure showdown at Livignio Snow Park on Sunday morning (NZT).

On Maui, Farrell became an accomplished skateboarder and surfer as a young boy. Hi-Tech Surf Sports on Maui started sponsoring him as a skateboarder at the age of 8 and he grew up routinely surfing noted local spots with Young and Lenny.

Americans who top the podium at the Milan Cortina Games will be in line for a $37,500 bonus. Their competitors could collect as much as $800,000.

Games, while defending champion snowboarder Zoi Sadowski-Synnott and alpine skier Alice Robinson are attending their third. Toomey says the pair have plenty of wisdom. Curling round robins have started the sporting schedule today - the opening ceremony is on Saturday morning.

From Eileen Gu to rising stars these halfpipe skiers could dominate freeski competition at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

The 2026 Winter Olympics are beginning - NZ's Chef de Mission Marty Toomey joined D'Arcy Waldegrave for a chat about the event.