Seven straight Olympic Games for Tomoka Takeuchi and a legendary Snowboard Alpine career

One of the most respected and enduring athletes in Snowboard Alpine history has officially brought an extraordinary career to a close. Japanese snowboarder Tomoka Takeuchi (JPN) retired from international competition following the Parallel Giant Slalom event at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Livigno (ITA), ending a remarkable journey that spanned more than two decades at the highest level of the sport.

Takeuchi made her FIS Snowboard Alpine World Cup debut on 17 January 2001 in Kronplatz (ITA), starting a journey that would see her become one of the sport’s most enduring athletes. Over the following 25 years, she collected 236 World Cup starts, claimed 15 World Cup podium finishes, and established herself as one of the defining athletes of her generation through dedication, resilience, professionalism, and a deep passion for alpine snowboarding.

A true icon of the discipline, Takeuchi also etched her name into the Guinness World Records this February by becoming the first female athlete to compete in seven consecutive Olympic Winter Games, representing Japan from Salt Lake City 2002 all the way to Milano Cortina 2026. Among the highlights of her extraordinary career were the Olympic silver medal in Parallel Giant Slalom at the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games and a medal at the FIS Snowboard World Championships in Kreischberg (AUT) in 2015.

Across multiple generations of athletes, changing equipment eras, and evolving competition formats, Takeuchi remained a constant presence on the World Cup circuit. Her ability to stay competitive at the highest level for such a long period earned enormous respect throughout the snowboard community.

Throughout her career, Takeuchi became known not only for her sporting achievements, but also for her professionalism, approach, and role in inspiring younger generations of riders both in Japan and internationally. During the 2024/25 season at the Parallel Giant Slalom race in Scuol (SUI), Takeuchi added another memorable result to her long career by stepping to the World Cup podium one last time.

Her final Olympic start in Livigno marked the closing chapter of one of the most outstanding careers in Snowboard Alpine history - a career defined by consistency, longevity, and passion for the sport.

Although her competitive career has now come to an end, Takeuchi will remain closely connected to the snowboard world. Her long-term partnerships with sponsors will continue beyond retirement, with several new projects already underway, allowing her to stay actively involved in the sport and related activities.

The International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) extends its heartfelt appreciation to Tomoka Takeuchi for her outstanding contribution to the Snowboard Alpine discipline and wishes her continued success in her future endeavors.

For more information on Tomoka Takeuchi’s career and achievements, visit her FIS athlete biography.