Wānaka snowboarder Lucia Georgalli (16) led the New Zealand team at the parade of nations at the Gangwon 2024 Winter Youth Olympic Games opening ceremony on Friday (January 19).

The Snowboard Slopestyle Junior World Champion was named a flag bearer along with curler Jed Nevill (17) from the Ida Valley.

“I'm really grateful to be named flagbearer. I've been thinking about this competition for years, so it's pretty cool to get to lead the team, I'm stoked," said Lucia.

"I'm loving being in this environment and really excited for competition. It's going to be great snowboarding at a new resort and I'll give it my best go."

Lucia is the reigning FIS Junior World Champion in Snowboard Slopestyle, winning the title at the 2023 FIS Park and Pipe Junior World Championships at Cardrona. She will compete in snowboard slopestyle and big air in Gangwon.

Lucia and Jed were named as the team's flagbearers by Chef de Mission Marty Toomey at a team function on Friday afternoon.

“Lucia and Jed are passionate and dedicated young athletes whose actions epitomise the values of the New Zealand Team,” Marty said.

Jed and Lucia at the parade of nations in Gangwon.

The New Zealand Team for Gangwon 2024 is made up of 22 athletes, including a late call up for Wānaka freeskier Hamish Barlow (17), replacing freeskier Fergus McArthur who withdrew from the event due to injury.

"Reading the email that I was going to [the] Youth Olympics for the first time it felt unreal,” Hamish said.  

“I am super excited for this opportunity to represent New Zealand and showcase my skiing in South Korea."

The Kiwi athletes will compete across five winter sports at the Games, from January 19 to February 1 in Gangwon province in South Korea.

Almost 2,000 athletes will compete at the Games.

Coverage is available on Sky Sport.

PHOTO: Snowsports NZ