Margaux Hackett ready to jump into first Winter Olympics

Margaux Hackett has been pushing her limits since she could walk. She put on skis for the first time at three years old, a year later she did her first bungy jump alongside her Dad, bungy jumping icon and entrepreneur AJ Hackett.

“I’ve always been outdoorsy and just really into sports in general,” says Hackett. “I definitely enjoy a challenge and I guess I’ve always had the adrenaline chasing in my blood.”

The 22-year-old is now gearing up for her next challenge, representing New Zealand at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games where she’ll compete in freeski big air and slopestyle.

“It’s a pretty amazing feeling to be named to the Winter Olympic team. 

“I've put in a lot of work over the years and I actually just missed out on qualifying for the last Winter Olympics. That was actually a really good reminder that I can perform at the top level and it made me push even harder this time round so I'm really stoked to be here now.

“I’ve been working really hard and I can’t wait to get to Beijing and compete.” 

Born and raised in France Hackett describes herself as half-French, half-Kiwi. She began competitive ski racing as a child in the French alps before she discovered that just like her Dad, she too loved throwing herself off things.

“I got the chance to go and try out for the freestyle club when I was 11 and I really loved it. Being in that different environment and jumping off stuff was so great. When I turned like 16, I decided to come to New Zealand and follow the winters. Since then, I've been doing back-to-back winters and it’s been six years now of chasing the snow.”

Hackett says her dad is her number one fan and has helped her achieve her dream of making it to the Winter Olympic Games. 

“Dad and I have a really close relationship and I've been able to travel around with him through his work. I’ve been lucky enough to have a lot of adventures with my wider family as well which has been really special.

“In 2014 we went to the Winter Olympics in Sochi and that really made me want to make it to the Olympics myself.”

Hackett heads into the Winter Olympics as one to watch. She’s recorded numerous top 10 finishes at major international events, including fifth place in big air and eighth in slopestyle at the 2020 X Games Norway.

“I love freeskiing because it's always a challenge and I'm always learning something new. I try and approach life the same way as I approach skiing, just always trying to learn and making myself better.”

Hackett will begin her Winter Olympic campaign on February 7^th.