13/05/2026
Every four years, the Winter Olympic Games is the culmination of years of commitment, providing kiwi athletes with an opportunity to shine. Years of training add up to just a few moments on a run, and with podiums decided by the smallest of margins, and weather in the hands of the Gods, nothing can be left to chance.
Behind the scenes, support staff and equipment specialists combine their skills to help maximise an athlete’s performance. And at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics Games, Chris Rodgers was there - watching every run, monitoring conditions, talking to athletes and coaches and contemplating adjustments.
Chris is a ski tech and owner of Wanaka’s The Waxroom. For years he has travelled the world with the NZ Park and Pipe team, working behind the scenes at the Olympics, X Games and World Cups, helping give athletes the edge. He doesn’t just look after equipment, he is an expert on fine tuning skis and boards - base grinding, setting edges and waxing - to ensure each athlete is set up for success.
Most nations bring their own techs on the road, and each works from a wax cabin or wax bench during competition, sometimes working long into the night prepping equipment for the next day.
The Milano Cortina Winter Games was Chris’s 4th Olympics and his favourite. Hear from Chris as he talks about being a ski tech on the road with the NZ Team.
