By: Osabuohien Imuetinyanosa
China’s Eileen Gu recovered from an early mistake to qualify for the women’s freestyle skiing halfpipe final at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics in Livigno, Italy, keeping alive her bid for another Olympic medal.
The defending Olympic champion crashed during her first run after clipping the edge of the halfpipe. However, she delivered a strong second performance, scoring 86.5 points to finish fifth among 21 competitors. The result secured her place among the 12 athletes advancing to the final scheduled for today.
Britain’s Zoe Atkin led the qualification standings with 91.5 points, followed by China’s Li Fanghui with 90 points. Canada’s Cassie Sharpe finished third with 88.25 points but suffered a heavy crash during her second run. Medical personnel intervened, and she was taken away on a stretcher while conscious and able to wave to spectators.
Gu, 22, has already won silver medals in slopestyle and big air at the Milano Cortina Games, further cementing her status as one of the most successful athletes in freestyle skiing. Born in the United States, she began representing China in 2019 and previously won two gold medals and one silver at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics.
In the halfpipe event, athletes perform aerial tricks while moving along a U-shaped snow ramp, with judges awarding points based on height, difficulty, execution, and variety.
