SBR x NZSB Spotlight Series, presented by FYVE | standout rider
It’s back! The She’ll Be Right x New Zealand Snowboarding Spotlight Series, this time presented by our friends at FYVE.
Our industry is full of talent that deserves to be seen, and the Spotlight Series is all about getting those names out there. We're shedding a light on the up-and-comers making moves across our industry, from the riders pushing their progression to the filmers and photographers capturing it all. The people you should know, follow and keep an eye on, because we reckon they're only just getting started.
First up, meet our standout rider, Shirui Xiong, aka Renee. At just 18, Renee is already making her mark on snowboarding, with big goals and a love for the sport that emanates both on and off her board. This was her first time at She’ll Be Right and despite communicating largely through her translator app, it felt as if she’s been part of our community since the beginning.
We caught up with Renee after the event to chat about her journey into snowboarding, the power of an all-girls riding community, coming back from injury and the dream she's working towards.
P: Amee Freeman
NZSB: Hey Renee! How are you? Where are you at the moment?
RE: I’ve been doing pretty well lately. I’m currently still in New Zealand, doing my first on‑snow training since my ACL injury. This is my third time coming to New Zealand. I absolutely love it here. The ski resorts are incredibly well‑built, the scenery is stunning, and the people are so kind and lovely.
NZSB: How long have you been snowboarding? How did you first get into it?
RE: I first got into snowboarding in January 2020. It all started with the selection for the Sichuan provincial team (in China). My current coach, Criss, introduced me to this sport. At the beginning, I didn’t know much about the sport and didn’t have many thoughts of my own. But as I kept riding and learned more, I was really drawn to Kokomonsan’s never‑give‑up and fear‑less spirit. She quickly became my favourite rider.
NZSB: This was your first time at She’ll Be Right, right? How did you hear about it?
RE: Yes, this is my first time competing at She’ll Be Right. I’d seen The Uninvited held in many places before, so the partnership between SBR & The Uninvited is how I first heard about it. The concept of “an all‑girls competition” really caught my eye. I absolutely love this event! It feels amazing to ride alongside girls who share the same passion for this sport. Everyone is enjoying the joy that snowboarding brings, and it’s such a special experience. It’s wonderful to gather with so many talented female riders. We support and encourage one another, and that’s what makes this event so precious. When someone wants to try a new trick, everyone cheers them on, and when they land it, everyone genuinely celebrates for them. That moment when screams and applause mix together is my favourite part of the event.
NZSB: Visibility can open doors and help more people discover the talent coming through snowboarding. What do opportunities like this ‘Spotlight Series’ mean to you?
RE: Awards like this mean a great deal to me. I feel so honoured to receive recognition like this. It motivates me to keep working hard, and I hope to inspire more young girls to fall in love with snowboarding.
NZSB: You’re only 18 and already such a strong rider. What would you like to do with snowboarding in the future? Do you have any goals or dreams you’re working towards?
RE: I’m really happy to hear that. Moving forward, I hope to keep improving my snowboarding skills and contribute to the sport. My goal right now is to compete at the 2030 Winter Olympics, and I’m working hard towards it. Though, for the upcoming winter season, I’ll focus on polishing my skills. If I get the chance, I hope to deliver great performances in major competitions.
NZSB: If you could snowboard anywhere in the world, where would you go?
RE: I’d go to a mountain covered entirely in snow, a place with no people at all. Maybe New Zealand has spots like that; I just haven’t found them yet, haha.
NZSB: What do you love most about snowboarding?
RE: I love the sense of freedom snowboarding gives me. You can have your own ideas and make them come true through your own hard work. We don’t all have to be the same; every person is unique. That’s what I believe is the biggest charm of snowboarding.
NZSB: Is there anything else you’d like people to know about you or your snowboarding?
RE: I never expected snowboarding to become such an indispensable part of my life. There are moments of fear and injuries, but once I’m on my board, I can be fully myself. I enjoy the rush and sense of achievement it brings. I also hope more people will get into snowboarding and fall for this amazing sport.
P: Andrea Stephens
