Japanese Snowboarder Mari Fukada Captures Slopestyle Gold, Equaling Nation’s Record Medal Haul
Milan Cortina, Italy – In a thrilling display of aerial prowess and technical mastery, 19-year-old Mari Fukada soared to victory in the women’s slopestyle snowboarding event at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics on Wednesday. Her stunning performance secured Japan’s fifth gold medal of the Games, a historic achievement that matches the nation’s previous record set at the Nagano Winter Games in 1998 when they hosted the event. This latest triumph further bolsters Japan’s impressive medal count, bringing their total to 22 and extending their own Olympic record established earlier in these Games.
Fukada, making her Olympic debut, captivated the crowd at Livigno Snow Park with a breathtaking final run that earned her a score of 87.83 points. This near-perfect execution edged out defending champion Zoi Sadowski Synnott of New Zealand, who claimed the silver medal with a score of 87.48. The bronze medal was awarded to fellow Japanese competitor Kokomo Murase, 21, who delivered a strong performance with a score of 85.80.
The women’s slopestyle final was a high-octane affair, with athletes pushing the boundaries of the sport. Fukada, a native of Aichi Prefecture, demonstrated exceptional composure and skill, landing two runs that scored in the 80s. However, it was her final descent that truly sealed her fate as an Olympic champion. Her run included a complex switch backside 1260, executed with a mute grab, followed by two clean 720-degree spins. This daring combination showcased her technical expertise and fearlessness on the course.
“The switch-backside trick is something I’ve worked on extensively, and I’m incredibly happy that I was able to land it here on this stage,” a beaming Fukada shared after her victory. Her journey to this moment has been marked by dedication and resilience. While she finished fourth at the 2025 World Championships in this discipline, her Olympic debut has proven to be a significant leap forward.
Fukada spoke candidly about the mental fortitude required to perform at such a high level, especially after a disappointing showing in the big air event. “I was really frustrated with my result in big air, so I switched my focus and reminded myself that slopestyle was still ahead,” she explained. “The encouragement from the people around me, who told me I could do it, gave me the confidence I needed.” This testament to the power of support and self-belief highlights the psychological demands of elite competition.
For Kokomo Murase, the slopestyle bronze adds another medal to her burgeoning Olympic collection, following her impressive gold medal victory in the big air competition earlier in the Games. Despite the success, Murase expressed a degree of personal disappointment, having set her sights on a second gold medal. “I was aiming for a second gold medal, so I went for a gold-winning routine and felt like I delivered a perfect run that could win,” she stated. “But I didn’t get the score I expected.” This candid admission underscores her relentless pursuit of perfection and her high personal standards.
Even with her stellar performance and a gold medal already secured, Murase remains driven to improve. “At first, I was really happy after winning gold, but it has ended with a bit of frustration,” she admitted. “Next time, I will absolutely win (slopestyle) gold and use this frustration as motivation for the next Olympics.” This forward-looking perspective and determination to learn from every experience are hallmarks of a true champion in the making.
The third Japanese competitor, Reira Iwabuchi, faced a challenging day, ultimately finishing in eighth place after being unable to complete a clean run in any of her three attempts. Despite the setback, her presence in the final demonstrates the depth of talent within the Japanese women’s snowboarding program.
The Milan Cortina Games have been a watershed moment for Japanese winter sports, with the nation’s athletes consistently performing at the highest level. The historic five gold medals, equalling their Nagano 1998 achievement, signify a remarkable resurgence and a testament to years of dedication in athlete development and support. The record-breaking 22 total medals further solidify Japan’s status as a formidable force in winter athletics. This success is not only a source of national pride but also an inspiration for aspiring athletes across the country, demonstrating that with talent, perseverance, and unwavering support, even the most ambitious dreams can be realized on the world’s grandest sporting stage.
The slopestyle event itself is a relatively new addition to the Olympic program, having debuted at the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics. It requires athletes to navigate a course featuring a variety of features, including jumps, rails, and boxes, performing complex tricks and maneuvers. The judging criteria typically focus on the difficulty, execution, amplitude, and creativity of the riders’ runs. In slopestyle, athletes have multiple attempts, and their best two scores are usually combined or their highest single score determines their final ranking. The pressure to deliver under these conditions is immense, making Fukada’s victory even more impressive.
Fukada’s journey to the Olympics began at a young age, inspired by the growing popularity of snowboarding in Japan. She honed her skills at local resorts and quickly progressed through junior competitions. Her talent was evident early on, leading to sponsorships and a dedicated training regimen. The commitment required to compete at an Olympic level involves not only physical conditioning but also extensive travel for training camps and competitions, often balancing these demands with academic pursuits. For Fukada, who is still in her late teens, this dedication is particularly commendable.
The international field in women’s slopestyle snowboarding is highly competitive, with athletes from North America, Europe, and Oceania consistently challenging for podium spots. Zoi Sadowski Synnott, the silver medalist, is a well-established figure in the sport, known for her aggressive style and consistent performances. Her rivalry with emerging talents like Fukada adds an exciting dynamic to the discipline. The presence of multiple strong contenders ensures that every competition is a test of skill, nerve, and adaptability.
The success of Kokomo Murase in both big air and slopestyle highlights her versatility and exceptional talent. Big air events, which focus on a single, massive jump, require a different skillset and approach compared to slopestyle. Murase’s ability to excel in both disciplines speaks volumes about her comprehensive snowboarding abilities. Her ambition to capture gold in slopestyle, despite already having a gold in big air, is a testament to her competitive spirit and her desire to leave an indelible mark on the sport.
The Milan Cortina Olympics have provided a platform for these remarkable female athletes to showcase their athleticism and inspire a new generation. The visibility of women’s snowboarding at such a high level contributes to the growing recognition and appreciation of the sport. As these Games conclude, the performances of athletes like Fukada and Murase will undoubtedly fuel further interest and participation in snowboarding for women and girls worldwide.
The impact of these achievements extends beyond the medals themselves. They contribute to the ongoing narrative of women’s empowerment in sports, demonstrating that female athletes can compete at the highest levels, push boundaries, and achieve extraordinary success. The stories of dedication, resilience, and triumph shared by these athletes resonate deeply, offering valuable lessons in perseverance and the pursuit of excellence. The Japanese Olympic Committee and its athletes have undoubtedly made this a Games to remember, etching their names into the annals of winter sports history.
