In a dramatic turn of events at the Winter Olympics in Livigno, Italy, China's star freeskier Eileen Gu demonstrated remarkable resilience on Thursday, qualifying for the freestyle skiing halfpipe final despite an early setback. The defending champion, who had already clinched silver medals in slopestyle and big air at the Milano Cortina Games, faced a tense moment when she crashed on her first qualifying run.
A Tense Recovery and Strong Comeback
Gu's initial attempt was marred by a misstep, as she clipped the edge of the U-shaped ramp that defines the halfpipe discipline. However, she quickly regrouped, delivering a well-executed second run that earned her a score of 86.5 out of a maximum of 100. This performance placed her fifth among the 21 competitors, securing one of the 12 coveted spots in Saturday's final.
"I'm glad I was able to reinforce my sense of self-belief at the moment when it counted," Gu remarked after the event, highlighting the mental fortitude required in high-stakes competition.
Top Qualifiers and Competitive Field
Leading the pack was Britain's Zoe Atkin, the 2025 world champion, who scored an impressive 91.5 points despite admitting to pre-competition nerves. "I'm really happy I was able to kind of manage that nervousness and put down a clean run," Atkin said. "It's honestly a really big relief, so I'm super excited for Saturday."
China's Li Fanghui followed closely with 90 points, showcasing the depth of talent in the field. The halfpipe discipline, where riders slide across a snow ramp and perform aerial acrobatics, awards points based on factors like height, difficulty, and variety of tricks.
Nasty Crash for Canadian Veteran
The qualifying session was not without its dangers, as Canada's Cassie Sharpe, a former gold and silver medalist in the halfpipe, suffered a severe crash on her second run. Despite scoring 88.25 points to place third, Sharpe's fall prompted immediate medical intervention, casting a pall over the event.
Rescue operations unfolded over several tense minutes, with the crowd falling silent before erupting in relieved cheers as Sharpe waved her arms while being stretchered away. Her condition underscored the inherent risks of the sport, even for seasoned athletes.
Gu's Olympic Legacy and Background
At just 22 years old, Eileen Gu has already cemented her status as the most decorated woman in freestyle skiing history. Born in the United States, she switched to compete for China in 2019, honoring her mother's heritage. Her accolades include gold medals in big air and halfpipe, plus a silver in slopestyle, from the 2022 Beijing Games.
With this qualification, Gu now has the opportunity to add another medal to her growing collection, further solidifying her legacy in winter sports. The final promises to be a thrilling showdown, blending youthful exuberance with veteran experience in a test of skill and nerve.
