27 Feb 2018

A pie and school on the minds of Olympic medalists

3:41 pm on 27 February 2018

School and a meat pie were the main things on the minds of our Winter Olympic medalists when they arrived back in New Zealand this morning.

Fans take selfie with returning Winter Olympic bronze medallist Zoi Sadowski-Synnott.

Fans take selfies with New Zealand's Winter Olympians. Photo: RNZ

Freestyle skier Nico Porteous and snowboarder Zoe Sadowski-Synott led the New Zealand team out at Auckland Airport after their history making performances in Pyeongchang.

The 16 year olds from Wanaka were greeted by a powhiri from Rosehill College students.

26 years after New Zealand's one and only Winter Olympic medal, Porteous and Sadowski-Synott added bronze medals from their respective events.

Porteous said he would celebrate being home by having a local delicacy.

All bronze medallist Nico Porteous wanted upon his return home from Pyeongchang was a steak and pepper pie.

All bronze medallist Nico Porteous wanted upon his return home from Pyeongchang was a steak and pepper pie. Photo: RNZ

"I'm gonna have a pie, I'm going to go and have a steak and pepper pie, I haven't had a pie in at least a month, so I'm pretty desperate."

A pie was probably the last thing on his mind as he prepared for the halfpipe final as he threw up with nerves.

That feeling was soon swept aside with a bronze medal run, something he admits is still to sink in.

"I think it's going to take a while, at least a month I'd say, I still look down and can't believe that that is hanging around my neck and that it's actually real and I'm just lost for words whenever I look at it."

Both medal winners said they couldn't wait to get home to see family and friends.

Sadowski-Synott, who won her medal in the snowboarding big air, has the US Open in Colorado next week, but wants to get back to Mt Aspiring College as soon as possible to thank everyone for their support.

"I enjoy school and I can't wait to go see my friends and everyone who has supported me and show them the medal because that's whats come out of all their support."

Sadowski-Synott's long term plan is to compete at the Beijing Winter Olympics in 4 years time.

Zoi Sadowski-Synnott and Nico Porteous, New Zealand Winter Olympic bronze medalists.

Zoi Sadowski-Synnott and Nico Porteous, New Zealand Winter Olympic bronze medalists. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

As for now tho, Porteous admits the weight of the bronze medal, which is going to be hanging around their necks for a few days yet, has taken its toll.

"It's pretty heavy, we've both been complaining about having sore necks, it's a good thing to have a sore neck from though."

Competition remains on the radar for both athletes, but Porteous also just wants to hit the mountains and relax doing the sport he loves.

"Competition isn't the all in our sport and you can't do a sport if you don't love it and so of course I'm just going to go and ski for myself and I really enjoy skiing for myself and that's why I'm a freestyle skier."

Snowsport NZ has already said they expect even more growth in their sports following the success in Pyeongchang and Sadowski-Synott is encouraging anyone interested in winter sports to go for it.

"When I was younger and left school to go snowboarding people would tell me is this really going to pay off, but I guess if you know this is what you want to do, you love it, then just go for it."

A Wanaka reception is planned for the pair.

-RNZ