One of New Zealand’s most accomplished high-performance winter sports coaches is stepping away from his long-held role, marking the end of an era for the country’s internationally successful snowboard and freeski programme. Tom Willmott has resigned from Snow Sports New Zealand after more than two decades of involvement in elite snow sports.
Tom Willmott Resigns from Snow Sports New Zealand
Snow Sports New Zealand’s long-serving snowboard and freeski head coach Tom Willmott has resigned, bringing to a close a career that helped shape one of the nation’s most successful periods in competitive winter sport.
Willmott confirmed his departure on Wednesday, following enquiries from media.
He served as head coach and pathway director for Snow Sports New Zealand’s park and pipe programme and is also chair of the Sport Performance Coaches New Zealand board.
In a joint statement with Snow Sports New Zealand, Willmott reflected on his long association with the sport.
“High-performance snow sports has been a huge part of my life for more than 20 years,” he said.
“Snow Sports New Zealand has been a significant part of that journey. I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together and believe Snow Sports New Zealand is in a great place, with significant potential across multiple disciplines.”
Legacy of International Success
During Willmott’s leadership, New Zealand established itself as a consistent force in international park and pipe competition, with athletes earning medals at the Winter Olympics, World Cup events and the X Games.
Coaching New Zealand’s Olympic Champions
Among the athletes Willmott coached and helped develop were Zoi Sadowski-Synnott and Nico Porteous, who both claimed Olympic gold medals at the Beijing Winter Olympics in 2022. Their achievements highlighted New Zealand’s growing reputation in freestyle snow sports and inspired a new generation of athletes.
His work also extended beyond elite competition, with a strong focus on athlete pathways and coach development to strengthen the sport across the country.
Snow Sports New Zealand Looks Ahead
Snow Sports New Zealand chief executive Nic Cavanagh praised Willmott’s contribution, saying he had been instrumental in building the park and pipe programme into one of international standing.
Cavanagh said Willmott had played a key role in developing numerous athletes, coaches and staff throughout his time with the organisation.
He added that the beginning of a new Winter Olympic cycle presented an appropriate time to review how the organisation’s people, programmes and coaching structures could be positioned for long-term success.
Recognised for Outstanding Contribution
Willmott’s impact has also been recognised within New Zealand’s sporting community. He was recently named Otago Coach of the Year, receiving the honour for his dedication to the sport and his reputation as an inspiring and committed coach.
Looking to the future, Willmott said he was ready for the next stage of his career.
“I am now looking ahead to the new chapter,” he said, “and want to say a special thank you to everyone who has been part of the journey.”
A New Chapter for New Zealand Snow Sports
Willmott’s departure closes an important chapter for Snow Sports New Zealand after years of sustained international success. As the organisation begins a new Olympic cycle, it will look to build on the foundations established under his leadership while continuing to support the next generation of New Zealand winter sports talent.
Alexander Donovan writes for News Collective, covering news, politics, business, technology, sport, entertainment, and lifestyle. He focuses on clear, reliable reporting and useful information, helping readers stay informed about current events, emerging trends, and stories that matter.