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It appears freeskier Nico Porteous is almost as talented in the kitchen as he is in the halfpipe.

The Winter Olympic Games bronze medallist has been isolating on the Otago Peninsula, where he’s rediscovered a passion for baking.

“I’ve always been a bit of baker, mum’s really into it so I started helping her out from a young age,” Porteous said.

“I’ve been making a lot of Dutch Cakes recently. They’re really simple and really good so I’ve been enjoying those and then it forces me to do some exercise to work them off so it’s a win-win!”

Despite the cakes the 18-year-old has been keeping himself in good shape, spending as much time as possible in the home gym.

“We’ve got heaps of gym equipment on loan and I’ve been doing as many sessions as possible as well as other fitness stuff.

“I definitely think I’ve gotten stronger while being in isolation and I do feel fitter as well so that’s a nice positive to be able to take out of this.

“I have been watching a bit of Netflix as well though, you’ve got to give yourself some downtime!”

Porteous was competing in North America when coronavirus started to impact sporting events globally, forcing him to cut short his northern hemisphere season and head back to Aotearoa where he went into lockdown with the family.

Shortly before arriving home the Wanaka local celebrated the two-year anniversary of his historic bronze medal win at the PyeongChang Winter Olympic Games.

“I feel like I’ve grown and changed a lot but it’s a pretty special memory for me and something I’m definitely extremely proud of.”

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The next major goal for Porteous is the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games.

And despite being four years older and more experienced, he’ll go into the Games with the same goal as last time.

“Beijing is right up there for me. I can’t control what other people will do on the day so I just want to land a personal best run and push the limits of skiing and then we’ll see what happens.”

In the meanwhile, Porteous is itching to getting back on the slopes.

“I can’t wait to be skiing again! It’ll be pretty awesome the first day back up there on the slopes, definitely excited already.”


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