Imagine receiving a meaningful gift that ties you deeply to your heritage as you prepare for the biggest stage of your athletic career—this is exactly what New Zealand snowboarder Zoi Sadowski-Synnott experienced with her pounamu pendant. But here's where it gets even more fascinating: this isn't just a piece of carved greenstone; it's a symbol packed with cultural significance and history that resonates through every athlete on the New Zealand Winter Team.
At a New Zealand Team workshop, when asked about how to capture her input into the pendant's design, Sadowski-Synnott expressed hesitation about whether her story could truly be encapsulated in a single piece of pounamu. Yet, she emphasized her deep gratitude for the roots and heritage the winter team collectively shares. This pendant will be given to Kiwi athletes and support staff arriving at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 as a tangible link to their land and culture.
During a two-day cultural immersion organised by the New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC), the Beijing 2022 women's slopestyle Olympic champion reflected on the privilege of understanding the rich meaning behind the pounamu. The pendant embodies the strength and resilience of athletes throughout history, a connection Sadowski-Synnott wanted to be reflected as part of the New Zealand team headed to the Games in Italy. It is carved from authentic greenstone sourced from Te Tai o Poutini, a region known for its sacred jade-like stone, gifted by the Māori tribal group Ngāi Tahu Pounamu. This gift serves as a spiritual and emotional bridge, linking athletes to their homeland and cultural roots even when they are far away competing.
The specific design for the 2026 Games is called Manawaroa, meaning 'resilience,' perfectly symbolizing the enduring spirit of the NZOC’s class of 2026, which already includes athletes like Sadowski-Synnott, conditioned on quota spots being secured. Sadowski-Synnott's Olympic journey, beginning at just 16 years old in PyeongChang 2018 where she briefly held New Zealand's youngest Winter Games medalist record, showcases perseverance. She upgraded her accomplishment to gold in Beijing 2022, becoming New Zealand's first Winter Olympic champion, forever embedding herself into the legacy that the pounamu represents.
Her story continues with upcoming Snowboard World Cups in China, but before that, she participated in a special ceremony alongside other New Zealand Olympic and Paralympic members to deepen their understanding of the pounamu's cultural heart. As the National Olympic Committees govern athlete representation at the Games, receiving this pendant not only honors personal achievement but reinforces the vital connection between identity, heritage, and athletic excellence.
Ngāi Tahu Pounamu carver Mahana Coulston sheds light on the profound meaning behind the gift: "Giving pounamu is more than handing over a pendant. It’s about sharing history, whakapapa (genealogy), and connection to the land." Each carved piece honors ancestors and strengthens familial bonds. The Manawaroa pendant carries the love and protective spirit of the people, offering athletes strength, safety, and a heartfelt connection to Aotearoa as they embark on their Olympic quests.
The design includes two symbolic patterns: Poutama, which resembles steps symbolizing growth and achievement, and Tāniko, a woven pattern honoring the athletes' deep ties to nature—the mountains and environments they face with discipline and determination. NZOC Chef de Mission Marty Toomey shared how meaningful this cultural workshop was, emphasizing how such a connection to culture offers athletes a “superpower” when competing abroad. Having a piece of pounamu in their hands connects them to home and a support network, giving them an extra boost during stressful moments.
Sadowski-Synnott stated warmly how unprecedented and special it was to be welcomed so fully by Poutini Ngāi Tahu, sharing their histories and culture. She eagerly anticipates receiving her taonga (treasure) at Milano Cortina, viewing it as a powerful reminder of what she represents for her country every time she competes.
But this raises a thought-provoking question: In a world where athletes compete globally, how much does connecting to one’s indigenous culture impact performance and mental strength? Can cultural heritage be a game-changer in modern sports? Share your views below—do you believe such traditions should be more widely embraced or is athletic success purely about individual talent and training?
