New Zealand's Alice Robinson Eyes Olympic Medal at 24

At just 24 years old, Alice Robinson is already a three-time Olympian with something she's never had before: momentum heading into the Games.

The New Zealand alpine skier has been on fire this season, racking up three World Cup wins and making history as the first Kiwi to reach the Super G podium at a World Cup event back in December. Now she's in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, ready to compete in the giant slalom and super giant slalom events that have become her strongest disciplines.

Robinson's Olympic journey started young. She was just 16 when she competed in Pyeongchang in 2018, finishing 35th in giant slalom. Four years later in Beijing, she improved to 22nd in giant slalom and 25th in downhill.

This year feels different. Robinson has been dominating the slopes since late October, with two giant slalom victories, one Super G win, and multiple podium finishes. Her confidence is clear despite a setback in January when a crash temporarily derailed her Olympic preparation.

"Honestly the last two weeks have been pretty tough," Robinson admitted. "Obviously had a big crash so it was getting over that but now I'm feeling good and I'm excited to bring some form that I've had this season into the next two weeks."

The timing couldn't be better for Robinson to compete in Italy. Cortina d'Ampezzo holds special meaning for her, a place where she's built positive memories throughout her career. She told reporters in December that she was looking forward to returning somewhere she loves being.

Why This Inspires

Robinson's story shows the power of patience and persistence in elite sports. She didn't rush success or burn out young despite starting at the Olympics as a teenager. Instead, she's spent eight years steadily improving, building skills, and waiting for her moment.

Now that moment has arrived. Her first event, the Super G, kicks off Thursday night New Zealand time. Weather delayed initial training runs, but Robinson isn't fazed.

"It's pretty surreal to be here for my third Olympics already, always really grateful," she said. "I'm really looking forward to the next couple of weeks."

Robinson's approach is refreshingly straightforward: stay focused, bring good energy, and leave everything on the mountain. After years of climbing the rankings and finally breaking through with historic wins, New Zealand's young veteran is ready to show the world what she can do.