The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina have brought a fresh wave of excitement for Team GB, and nowhere is the anticipation higher than in the freestyle skiing halfpipe, where 23-year-old Zoe Atkin is carving out a name for herself on the world stage. Born in Boston, Massachusetts, but representing Great Britain thanks to her Solihull-born father, Mike, Atkin is not just a rising star—she’s already a world champion and a consistent podium threat in one of winter sport’s most thrilling disciplines.
Atkin’s journey to Olympic stardom is as transatlantic as it gets. While she grew up in the United States, her British heritage has always been close to her heart. "The family spent a decent amount of time in the UK, and that always meant being in the West Midlands while my parents were alive at their house. Solihull was sort of the centre of family activity over in the UK," said Mike Atkin, reflecting on the family’s deep roots in Britain. This connection has made Zoe’s representation of Team GB at the Olympics especially meaningful, blending family tradition with elite athletic achievement.
Heading into Milan-Cortina, Atkin’s résumé sparkles. She is the reigning world champion in the freestyle halfpipe, having clinched gold at the world championships in Switzerland. Her form has been nothing short of electric in recent months. In December 2025, Atkin narrowly missed out on another gold, claiming silver at the prestigious freeski halfpipe World Cup event in China—a testament to her consistency and competitive spirit.
But it’s not just medals that define Atkin’s season. Her father, Mike, has been candid about the pressures that come with high-level sport, especially at the Olympics. "She is nervous because this is a very big event, but we've always kept our expectations modest," he shared in an interview, echoing the supportive yet grounded approach the family has taken throughout Zoe’s career. "We say, 'Just ski well; do try and put down a run you can be proud of.'" It’s a mantra that seems to be working, as Zoe continues to rack up accolades while keeping her focus on the joy of skiing itself.
Atkin’s Olympic campaign kicked off with the women’s freeski halfpipe heat, which began at about 18:30 GMT on Thursday, February 19, 2026. The eyes of both the British and global winter sports communities were fixed on her performance, given her status as one of the sport’s most consistent athletes. As the current world champion and a multiple X Games gold medalist—including a recent triumph in Aspen in January 2026—Atkin entered the Games as one of Team GB’s top medal hopes.
Team GB’s chef de mission, Eve Muirhead, summed up the mood in the British camp before the Games: "We are taking one of the most potent teams of athletes we have ever taken to a Winter Olympic Games -- this team has the potential to disrupt the natural order." That optimism wasn’t misplaced. After a disappointing Beijing campaign in 2022, British winter sports have rebounded in spectacular fashion, with athletes like Atkin leading the charge in World Cups, World Championships, and X Games events over the past four years.
Atkin’s consistency on the World Cup circuit and her ability to deliver under pressure have made her a standout in a team packed with talent. Her fourth-place finish at the Beijing Olympics in 2022 was a near miss, but since then she’s only grown stronger, collecting world championship silver and bronze medals to go alongside her gold. Balancing elite sport with her studies at Stanford University, Atkin has shown a maturity beyond her years—something her father is quick to highlight. "She's had a good run; these past 12 months have really been some of her best results, some of her best skiing. She's skiing very well, and she's trying to focus on that," Mike Atkin noted, clearly proud of his daughter’s achievements and her approach to competition.
Of course, Atkin isn’t alone in flying the flag for Team GB at these Games. The British squad has brought a formidable roster to Milan-Cortina, with proven stars and exciting young prospects across disciplines. Matt Weston and Marcus Wyatt have dominated the men’s skeleton circuit, while Tabitha Stoecker and Amelia Coltman are making waves in the women’s skeleton. In figure skating, Lilah Fear and Lewis Gibson ended a 40-year drought for a world championship medal, and snowboarders Mia Brookes and Charlotte Bankes are both legitimate medal threats. The optimism for Team GB to achieve up to eight medals in these Games is palpable—a potential record haul for the nation.
But for Atkin, the focus remains on the present moment. The pressure of Olympic competition is immense, but the message from her family is clear: enjoy the ride, focus on execution, and let the results take care of themselves. "I hope she can focus less and worry less about the pressure and expectations put on her," Mike Atkin said, voicing the hopes of countless parents watching their children chase Olympic dreams.
As the women’s freeski halfpipe event continues, Atkin’s journey is far from over. The competition is fierce, with the world’s best vying for a spot on the podium. Yet, with her track record, poise, and the unwavering support of her family and nation, Zoe Atkin remains one of the brightest hopes for British winter sports in 2026. Whether she adds another medal to her growing collection or simply delivers a run she can be proud of, her story is already an inspiration.
For now, the action in Milan-Cortina is ongoing, and all eyes are on Zoe Atkin as she takes to the halfpipe, determined to make her mark on Olympic history. With every twist and turn, she carries the hopes of Team GB—and perhaps, just as importantly, the joyful spirit her family has always encouraged. The coming days will reveal whether that blend of talent, hard work, and perspective can propel her to new heights in the world’s greatest sporting arena.