Cool Wakushima was mid-air when she knew she was in trouble.  

In January, the New Zealand Winter Olympian was training on the slopes of Copper Mountain in Colorado when she suffered the worst injury of her promising career.  

The 22-year-old from Wanaka said the feeling of being out of control was not good.  

“The jumps were pretty on and off with the weather throughout the week, so I wasn’t super confident,” says Wakushima, who in 2022 finished fifth at the LAAX Open Snowboard Slopestyle World Cup.  

“And then it just happened. I knew straight away that I was off, and I was like ‘oh no’ in the air.”  

As she took off, Wakushima knew she was a bit slow in her rotation and undershot the jump.   

​​​“Usually, I can get away with it, by just accepting the fall, but this time I freaked out a little bit.”  

The Red Bull-sponsored athlete came crashing down on the snow with all the force through her right, front leg.  

She ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) but thought she would be able to shrug it off.  

“Because when you’re snowboarding, you’re just full of adrenaline,” she says.   

“You don't actually realise that you've hurt yourself until you’ve calmed down.”  

Wakushima denied her pain and told herself that “it’ll all be sweet”.  

The following day Wakushima realised that all was not sweet after seeing the MRI scan. 

She required reconstructive surgery and would be out for nine to 12 months.   

“That news was hard to take,” she says. “It hit me that I had done a major injury, and it was going to take a long time to recover.”  

The ACL injury completes a tough run of setbacks in recent times. Since the Beijing Winter Olympics, where she injured her coccyx, she has broken her​ ​sternum and her eye socket.  

Wakushima flew home to New Zealand for her ACL surgery and has been working on a structured rehabilitation programme to get back on snow.  

Unfortunately, Wakushima is not alone.  

In 2023, ACC accepted more than 13,000 snow sports related injuries.  

Over the same period, ACC has spent more than $160 million helping people recover from snow sport-related injuries.  

The irony is not lost on Wakushima.  

This winter she is supporting ACC and the Ski Area Association of New Zealand (SAANZ) – alongside fellow Winter Olympian Nico Porteous – in a campaign to stay safe on the slopes.  

“Being injured sucks,” says Wakushima, who represented New Zealand in the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics.  

​​​“So, it is much better to prevent the injury from happening in the first place. So, I think being aware of ways to prevent injuries is super important​. ​ 

“Having the right gear for the cold, energy is super important at this time of the year since its's really cold. It’s always nice to keep some snacks in your pockets too. 

“But I would definitely say, know your limits, wear the right equipment like a helmet and ease into the season so you can have a great time on the mountain.” 

Wakushima says the physical and mental battle of her rehabilitation was real.  

“The first 12 weeks were tough – getting that flexion and extension back in my knees.  

“It was weird trying to learn how to walk properly again and getting the gait right. Things that you did so easily before, the injury made them so hard.”  

The Japanese-born Kiwi says her injury has given her some perspective about New Zealand.  

“We take it for granted but we are so lucky to have a scheme like ACC,” she says.  

“They have been so great to deal with. Everything was pretty much dialled for me. I don't think I would have been able to do half of my rehab without the help of ACC.”  

Wakushima needed surgery in Auckland, which was covered by ACC, and she was also supported with her transport while she was unable to drive.  

“I'm stoked that I'm from New Zealand and that I get access to ACC. I am in America at the moment and getting the health stuff here is pretty hectic.  

“My friends over here can’t believe how we are supported in New Zealand.” 

And New Zealand is fortunate to have Wakushima.  

She is a world-class talent and this time on the sidelines has given her the opportunity to refocus for Italy in 2026.   

“I am not going to let this injury get in the way of my goal of getting to the Winter Olympics. And being able to compete with all the girls.”   

Photo: Red Bull.

“My time off the mountain has made me appreciate my sport more. I love the community that we have in Queenstown and Wanaka. They make you feel like you are part of something special and cared for.”  

Wakushima is focused on getting her body as strong as possible.​​  She is using this time to do everything there is off snow so when the time comes, when she is cleared to snowboard, she is ready to drop in.  

She has dared to dream about becoming only the fourth New Zealander to claim a Winter Olympics medal.  

She is looking to follow in the footsteps of Porteous (2018, 2022), Zoi Sadowski-Synnott (2018, 2022) and Annalise Coberger (1992).  

“That'd be unreal and crazy, and that is hard for me to comprehend. But that is what all of the hard work during times like this is for. To be back there on the world stage and a chance to make history.”  

Tips for staying safe on the slopes 

• Know and follow the snow safety code.  

• Know your limits and choose the right run. 

• Protect yourself and wear the right gear. 

• Find your space and leave room for others. 

• Check the conditions and be prepared for anything because things can change quickly. 

• Take it easy on the first few runs, then gradually speed things up/go a bit harder. 

• Pay attention to your energy levels – have a break, a drink and some kai if you’re getting tired.