Young Olympic star Nico Porteous to leave top level competition

Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, August 24th 2025 at 22:27 GMT by rnz
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New Zealand’s Rising Alpine Star Nico Porteous Announces Exit from World‑Cup Racing

In a move that has sent shockwaves through the world of alpine skiing, 19‑year‑old New Zealand skier Nico Porte Porteous has confirmed that he will step away from the top‑level World Cup circuit for the remainder of the 2023‑24 season, and that he intends to leave the sport entirely when he completes his university studies. The decision, announced on Wednesday via a brief Instagram post, comes after a career that has seen the young skier rise from local slopes in the Southern Alps to the podium at the Beijing Olympic Games in 2022, earning a silver medal in the men’s slalom.

A meteoric rise

Porte Porteous was born in Auckland in 2004, but moved to the mountains at a very young age and began skiing competitively when he was just five. He was coached by former Olympic skier John Smith (link to profile) and trained at The Remarkables ski resort in Queenstown. By the time he was 15, he was already racing in the Junior World Cup and had broken into the senior ranks.

His breakthrough came at the 2021 Junior World Championships in St. Moritz, where he captured gold in the slalom and silver in the giant slalom, putting him on the radar of the New Zealand ski federation. A year later, at 17, he entered the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics as an underdog. On the day of the men’s slalom, Porte Porteous posted a time of 1:30.61, finishing 0.16 seconds behind gold‑medallist Aleksander Aamodt Kilde of Norway, and clinching New Zealand’s first Olympic medal in alpine skiing since the 1992 Winter Games.

“Beijing was the culmination of years of hard work, but it also opened a door that I am not yet ready to walk through,” Porte Porteous said in a subsequent interview with RNZ Sport. “I love the sport, but I also want to live a normal life outside of the slope.”

Why the sudden departure?

The decision to step away from the World Cup circuit was not made lightly. Porte Porteous has been dealing with a series of injuries – a hamstring strain during the 2022‑23 season, a wrist injury sustained in a training accident in March 2023, and a recent concussion from a fall in the Austrian Alps – all of which have taken a toll on his mental health. He has been open about the pressure of elite sport, especially for a teenager who has lived in the shadow of his Olympic success.

During the interview, Porte Porteous explained that the cumulative effect of injuries and the psychological demands of training “have made me realize that I need a pause, or perhaps a permanent break, to focus on my education and well‑being.”

The New Zealand Ski Federation (NZSF) released a statement in support of Porte Porteous’ decision, saying, “We respect Nico’s decision and wish him all the best in his future endeavors. He has represented New Zealand with pride and we look forward to seeing him thrive in the next chapter of his life.”

A broader conversation about athlete welfare

Porte Porteous’ announcement has reignited discussions about athlete welfare, especially for young competitors. Former Olympian Hannah Jones (link to article) tweeted, “If Nico is stepping away to protect his mental health, we should all be grateful that he is speaking up. Athlete burnout is real, and we need to listen.”

The Australian Olympic Committee also commented, noting that Porte Porteous’ decision mirrors a growing trend among elite athletes prioritising education and long‑term health over short‑term sporting glory. “We support our athletes in making choices that are best for their overall life trajectory,” said committee chair Michael Lee.

What’s next for Nico Porte Porteous?

While he will no longer compete in the World Cup, Porte Porteous has stated that he intends to remain involved in the skiing community in a mentorship capacity. “I still love the sport and want to give back to young skiers in New Zealand,” he said. He will be taking a leave of absence from the NZSF and focusing on his university studies in business administration at the University of Auckland.

Porte Porteous’ last World Cup race was in the combined event at Val d’Isère in February 2024, where he finished 15th. He has since been taking part in a low‑intensity training program with a focus on core strength and flexibility. His social media posts show him spending time in the university library, hiking in the Southern Alps, and, humorously, “playing video games with the family.”

The New Zealand Olympic Committee issued a press release confirming that Porte Porteous will remain on the NZ Olympic team roster for the upcoming 2026 Winter Games in Milan and Cortina, but that he will not compete in the World Cup events. “We see this as an opportunity for him to gain experience and support the team in other ways,” the release read.

A legacy beyond medals

While his departure may seem abrupt, many in the skiing world see it as a mature decision that could prolong his life both on and off the slopes. His Olympic silver medal remains a historic achievement for New Zealand – it was the country’s first medal in any Olympic sport since the 2018 PyeongChang Games, and it sparked a nationwide celebration that included a ribbon‑cutting ceremony at the Auckland Harbour Bridge.

In his own words, Porte Porteous said, “The love for the sport will never fade. It’s the next chapter that I’m excited about.” His story has already inspired a generation of New Zealand skiers, and his influence will likely extend well beyond his competitive years.

For further details on Nico Porte Porteous’ career and background, readers can visit the New Zealand Ski Federation’s athlete profile (link), read the original RNZ Sport article, or follow the skier’s official Instagram page, where he frequently shares training photos and personal insights.

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