Beijing Winter Olympics: Like father, like daughter - Margaux Hackett writes new chapter in thrillseeking legacy

Just like her old man, our newest Olympian - Margaux Hackett - loves big air.

"I'm super excited to be representing Aotearoa," she says.

Father AJ Hackett is best known for pioneering the bungy-jumping adventure tourism industry from his Kawarau base near Queenstown.

"She's the youngest girl in the world still to jump off on a bungy cord at four years old," he reflects. "She understands how to manage fear."

In February, the younger Hackett will make her own mark on the world stage, representing New Zealand at the Beijing Winter Olympics in freeski slopestyle and big air.

"I've competed at X Games in big air and that's been an incredible experience, so it will be quite cool to have it at the Olympics," she says.

Nico Porteous and Zoi Sodowski Synnott caught global attention with their bronze medals at PyeongChang 2018 and both hope to go two better this time.

"It's definitely in the back of my mind for sure," says Porteous, a freestyle skier. "It would mean the world to me."

Margaux Hackett competes in big air at NZ Winter Games
Margaux Hackett competes in big air at NZ Winter Games. Photo credit: Photosport

Echoes snowboarder Sydowski Synott: "That's definitely the goal going in - that's where my sights are."

The team hope to build on their success, with Porteous and Sodowski Synnott winning world titles, along with alpine skier Alice Robinson.

"It feels really special and I think the five of us are looking forward to it," says Robinson. "I think there's potential for a really special Winter Olympics this year."

There could be some surprise results too, with Finn Bilous completing the five early selections.

"I think I probably get it from [my dad] for sure," says Margaux Hackett. 

"She's more radical than me," says AJ Hackett.

Margaux's clearly already having as much fun as dad always has.