New Zealand’s brightest star on snow, Nico Porteous, says he’s done with the Olympic stage. At just 23, the country’s golden boy of the halfpipe is stepping away from elite competition, closing a chapter that’s been nothing short of historic for Kiwi snow sports.
Porteous, who etched his name into Olympic glory with a gold medal in the freeski halfpipe at Beijing 2022 and a bronze four years earlier in PyeongChang, confirmed he won’t be returning for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy. And not just that—he’s stepping away from competitive halfpipe altogether.
A Short Career, A Long Legacy
It’s not often you hear about someone retiring at 23. But Nico Porteous isn’t your average athlete. He came into the sport young, went full throttle, and achieved what many dream of over a lifetime.
He was just 16 when he bagged bronze in South Korea, becoming the youngest New Zealand male to win a medal at the Winter Olympics. Then came the gold in Beijing—an emotional win that secured his place among the best in the sport.
“Wearing the fern and competing for my country has been the most incredible experience,” he said, speaking with genuine warmth. “But now’s the right time. I want to try something different.”
And just like that, the Kiwi phenom decided to pivot.
Why Now? The Call for Change
Porteous didn’t hint at burnout. Nor did he blame injuries. The choice sounded personal, introspective, and a little bit curious.
“I’ve loved what I’ve done, but I feel like it’s time for something new,” he said. There was no dramatic exit, just a calm sense of closure. He didn’t talk about medals or endorsements. He talked about identity.
He also hinted at fresh challenges on the horizon—though he didn’t specify what they were. Could it be coaching? Filmmaking? Entrepreneurship? Snow athletes have gone in every direction once the skis come off.
His Medal Cabinet Tells Its Own Story
He’s walking away as one of the most successful halfpipe skiers in the sport’s history. That’s not just Kiwi bias—it’s the scoreboard talking.
Here’s a quick look at Porteous’s medal haul:
| Event | Year | Medal |
|---|---|---|
| Winter Olympics (Beijing) | 2022 | Gold |
| Winter Olympics (Korea) | 2018 | Bronze |
| X Games Aspen | 2021 | Gold |
| X Games Aspen | 2022 | Silver |
| FIS World Champs | 2021 | Bronze |
Not many 23-year-olds can hang up their gear with a resume like that.
Kiwi Sports Scene Reacts With Pride
News of his decision travelled fast. In New Zealand, where winter sports stars are few and far between, Porteous has been something of a cultural symbol. And while fans were surprised, most understood.
Snow Sports NZ CEO Nic Cavanagh summed it up well, saying, “He’s achieved so much. We’re proud. And we’re excited to see what he does next.”
Even casual sports fans couldn’t help but feel a bit emotional. After all, they’d watched him grow up on the screen—first as a kid with a dream, then as a champion with a gold medal and a mature head on his shoulders.
He’s not vanishing from the scene completely, though. Porteous made it clear he’ll stay connected to snow sports in some way.
What Comes Next? Speculation Begins
So, what’s the next move for the Dunedin-born athlete?
He hasn’t said. But those close to him suggest he’s interested in filmmaking and creative ventures. He’s known for being artistic—something that always came through in the way he skied. Fluid, expressive, unpredictable.
He could easily become a voice for athletes, a mentor, a storyteller. He’s got the charisma. And he’s got a tale worth telling.
• He’s also co-founded a film production company with his brother Miguel
• In 2023, he produced a short documentary on climate change and winter sports
• There’s strong interest from brands and broadcasters for content collaborations
One sentence stood out more than any other during his announcement: “I feel like the time is right.”
He didn’t sound tired. He sounded ready.
Young, Talented, And At Peace With It
Porteous isn’t the first athlete to call it early. Nor will he be the last. But the way he did it—with grace, gratitude, and no real regrets—says a lot.
This wasn’t about medals. It wasn’t about rankings. It was about knowing yourself.
And maybe that’s the real story here. A young guy who had it all on the snow—and still had the guts to walk away on his terms.
