Zoe Atkin Soars to Top Spot in Olympic Halfpipe Qualifying
Zoe Atkin has ignited hopes of a historic fourth Winter Olympic gold medal for Great Britain after delivering a commanding performance in the women's freestyle halfpipe qualifying round on Thursday. The 23-year-old skier secured first place with a stunning first-run score of 91.5, setting the stage for Saturday's final in Livigno.
Atkin's Impressive Form and Family Legacy
Atkin's dominant display marks a significant statement of intent as she aims to build on her family's Olympic legacy. Her older sister, Izzy Atkin, made history at the 2018 Pyeongchang Games by winning Britain's first-ever medal on skis, a bronze in the women's ski slopestyle. Zoe arrives at these Games in peak condition, having clinched the world title in Engadin, Switzerland, last year and recently securing a gold medal in the superpipe competition at the X Games in Aspen, Colorado.
Defending Champion Eileen Gu Faces Challenges
China's defending champion, Eileen Gu, qualified in fifth place after a turbulent performance. Gu, who is attempting to compete in all three freestyle disciplines—slopestyle, Big Air, and halfpipe—has already won silver medals in the first two events. However, she has criticised the gruelling schedule and struggled in qualifying, crashing on her first run and experiencing a shaky moment on her second before recovering to score 86.5, which was sufficient to advance.
Competition Delay Due to Injury Scare
The qualifying session was interrupted for 15 minutes following a severe crash by Canada's Cassie Sharpe, the 2018 gold medallist and 2022 runner-up. Medics attended to Sharpe on the course before she was carried off on a stretcher, casting a shadow over the event but highlighting the risks inherent in the sport.
Atkin's flawless run and top qualification position have positioned her as a strong contender for gold, potentially making her the first British athlete to win four Winter Olympic gold medals. The final promises to be a thrilling showdown as she faces off against Gu and other top competitors in Livigno.
