Freeski athlete Ben Barclay (Ngāti Kahungunu) and Zoi Sadowski-Synnott were announced as Ngā Pou Hāpai Tāne and Wahine (flag bearers) by Chef de Mission Marty Toomey during a special team gathering at New Zealand Lodge in Livigno, shared with NZ Team friends and whānau.
“It’s an honour to wear the kākahu and be chosen as a flag bearer alongside such a good friend as Zoi. To lead the team into the opening ceremony is a privilege for both of us,” said Barclay.
“When the kākahu was put on our shoulders it gave me a bit of a shiver, it’s an honour that not many people get to experience and to carry that forward throughout this Olympic experience will be incredible,” he said.
“To share this with Beano (Ben) who I’ve spent a lot of my career with, not only on my snowboard but off it too, is special. He’s just an all-round great human being and I’m proud to be sharing this moment with him,” she said.
Ben, Olympian #1520 will compete in the Men’s Freestyle Skiing – Slopestyle and Big Air
