Cool’s story: Snowboard star’s long road to recovery

Cool Wakushima holding her snowboard with snow and trees in the background.

Star snowboarder Cool Wakushima’s dreams of Winter Olympics glory were nearly dashed by injury. But, with the support of ACC, she’s on the road to recovery and aiming to make history.


Photos courtesy of Red Bull.

Cool Wakushima was mid-air when she knew she was in trouble. 

In January, the New Zealand Winter Olympian was training on the slopes of Copper Mountain in Colorado when she suffered the worst injury of her promising career. 

The 22-year-old from Wanaka said the feeling of being out of control was not good. 

“The jumps were pretty on and off with the weather throughout the week, so I wasn’t super confident,” says Cool, who finished fifth at the LAAX Open Snowboard Slopestyle World Cup in 2022.

“And then it just happened. I knew straight away that I was off, and I was like ‘oh no’ in the air.” 

As she took off, Cool knew she was a bit slow in her rotation and undershot the jump.  

“Usually, I can get away with it, by just accepting the fall, but this time I freaked out a little bit.” 

The Red Bull-sponsored athlete came crashing down on the snow with all the force through her right, front leg. 

She ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) but thought she’d be able to shrug it off. 

“When you’re snowboarding, you’re just full of adrenaline,” she says.  

“You don’t actually realise you’ve hurt yourself until you’ve calmed down.” 

A close-up photo of Cool Wakushima's face, she's wearing a beanie with snow and trees behind her in the background.

A tough run of setbacks

Cool denied the pain and told herself, “It will all be sweet.” 

But she realised it was not sweet the next day after seeing the MRI scan. She needed reconstructive surgery and would be out for nine-to-12 months. 
 
“That news was hard to take,” she says. 

“It hit me that I’d done a major injury, and it was going to take a long time to recover.” 

The ACL injury completes a tough run of setbacks in recent times. Since the Beijing Winter Olympics, where she injured her coccyx, she’s broken her sternum and eye socket. 

She flew home to New Zealand for her ACL surgery and has been working on a structured rehabilitation programme to get back on the snow. 

It’s much better to prevent an injury from happening in the first place. Know your limits, wear the right equipment and ease into the season.
- Snowboard star Cool Wakushima

Staying safe on the slopes

Unfortunately, Cool is not alone. 

In 2023, we accepted more than 13,000 snow-sports-related injury claims.

Over the same time, we’ve spent more than $160 million helping people recover from snow-sport-related injuries. 

The irony is not lost on Cool. 

This winter she’s supporting ACC and the Ski Area Association of New Zealand (SAANZ) – alongside fellow Winter Olympian Nico Porteous – in a campaign to stay safe on the slopes. 

“Being injured sucks,” she says.

“So it’s much better to prevent the injury from happening in the first place. I think being aware of ways to prevent injuries is super important. 

“Make sure you have the right gear for the cold, energy is super important at this time of the year since it’s really cold. It’s always nice to keep some snacks in your pockets too.

“I would definitely say to know your limits, wear the right equipment like a helmet and ease into the season so you can have a great time on the mountain.”

Cool Wakushima standing at the top of a mountain with her snowboard and smiling.

‘We’re so lucky to have ACC’ 

Cool says the physical and mental battle of her rehabilitation was real. 

“The first 12 weeks were tough – getting that flexion and extension back in my knees. 

“It was weird trying to learn how to walk properly again and getting the gait right. Things that you did so easily before, the injury made them so hard.” 

The Japanese-born Kiwi says her injury has given her some perspective about New Zealand. 

“We take it for granted but we’re so lucky to have a scheme like ACC,” she says. 

“They’ve been so great to deal with. Everything was pretty much dialled for me. I don’t think I would’ve been able to do half of my rehab without the help of ACC.” 

Cool needed surgery in Auckland, which was covered, and we also provided support with her transport while she was unable to drive.
 
“I’m stoked I’m from New Zealand and get access to ACC. I’m in America at the moment and getting the health stuff here is pretty hectic,” she says.

“My friends over here can’t believe how we’re supported in New Zealand.”

And New Zealand is fortunate to have Cool. 

She’s a world-class talent and this time on the sidelines has given her the opportunity to refocus for Italy in 2026.  

“I’m not going to let this injury get in the way of my goal of getting to the Winter Olympics and being able to compete with all the girls.” 
 
“My time off the mountain has made me appreciate my sport more. I love the community we have in Queenstown and Wanaka. They make you feel like you’re part of something special and cared for.” 

A long-range photo of Cool Wakushima doing a snowboard jump.

I don’t think I would’ve been able to do half of my rehab without the help of ACC – everything was pretty much dialled for me.
- Snowboard star Cool Wakushima

Daring to dream

Cool is focused on getting her body as strong as possible. She’s using this time to do everything she can off snow so, when the time comes and she’s cleared to snowboard, she’s ready to drop in. 

She’s dared to dream about becoming only the fourth New Zealander to claim a Winter Olympics medal, following in the footsteps of Nico (2018 and 2022), Zoi Sadowski-Synnott (2018 and 2022) and Annalise Coberger (1992).
 
“That would be unreal and crazy – it’s hard for me to comprehend,” she says.

“But that’s what all the hard work during times like this is for – to be back there on the world stage and having a chance to make history.” 

A close-up photo of Cool Wakushima smiling with snow in the background.

Tips for staying safe on the slopes

•    Know and follow the snow safety code
•    Know your limits and choose the right run
•    Protect yourself and wear the right gear
•    Find your space and leave room for others
•    Check the conditions and be prepared for anything – things can change quickly
•    Take it easy on the first few runs, then gradually speed things up/go a bit harder
•    Pay attention to your energy levels – have a break, a drink and some kai if you’re getting tired