At the Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, Mari Fukada achieved a stunning victory in the women's snowboard slope style, proudly holding her gold medal after a flawless performance. Her success was not just due to spectacular aerial tricks, but also her exceptional skill in navigating the challenging rail obstacles, particularly the 'jib' section that often goes unnoticed but was crucial for her overall score. Despite trailing in the jump scores behind competitors from New Zealand and Japan, Fukada's strength across all aspects of her runs allowed her to secure a top position.

Fukada, only 19 years old and participating in her first Olympics, described her win as unbelievable, noting that her mind went blank with joy upon receiving the medal. Her preparation involved meticulous practice sessions in the lead-up to the Olympics, specifically honing her skills on various types of rails to adapt to the different conditions she faced as competition settings can vary significantly. Additionally, she sought extra practice by riding alongside regular patrons at nearby ski resorts to sharpen her instincts and maintain her competitive edge during the games.

Identified as a self-proclaimed perfectionist, Fukada emphasizes the importance of details in her technique—from her body's posture and stance to the angles of her snowboard during landings. Her dedication to this level of precision earned her a score of 25.45 points across three runs, marking a strong comeback from her earlier position in the qualifications. Reflecting on her journey, she expressed her regret and determination as sources of strength, declaring that her relentless pursuit of perfection confirmed her capabilities, leading to a gold medal that epitomizes her commitment to the sport.