Snowboarder Anna Gasser retires after Japan wins another medal

The big air queen bids farewell to her favorite Olympic event on a cold night in the Italian Alps.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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In a frigid night in the Italian Alps, big air queen Anna Gasser bid farewell to her favorite Olympic event. Meanwhile, Japan won another snowboarding medal.

Why it matters

Anna Gasser has been one of the most dominant snowboarders in big air over the past decade, winning multiple world championships and Olympic medals. Her retirement marks the end of an era in the sport. Japan's continued success in snowboarding also highlights the country's growing prominence in winter sports.

The details

Gasser, a 30-year-old Austrian, has decided to retire from competitive snowboarding after the 2026 Winter Olympics in Livigno, Italy. She is considered the queen of big air, having won gold medals at the 2018 and 2022 Winter Games. Meanwhile, a Japanese snowboarder won another medal, continuing the country's strong performance in the sport.

  • The 2026 Winter Olympics were held in Livigno, Italy.

The players

Anna Gasser

A 30-year-old Austrian snowboarder who is considered the queen of big air, having won gold medals at the 2018 and 2022 Winter Olympics.

Japan

The country has seen continued success in snowboarding, with its athletes winning multiple medals at recent Winter Olympics.

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The takeaway

Gasser's retirement marks the end of an era in big air snowboarding, as one of the sport's most dominant athletes steps away. Japan's continued medal success in the sport also underscores the country's growing prominence in winter sports on the global stage.