Zoe Atkin qualifies top for freeski halfpipe final as rivals falter
Zoe Atkin put down a commanding qualifying run to lead the freeski halfpipe field and will go into Saturday's final in the strongest position after posting a 91. 50 on her first attempt.
Zoe Atkin tops qualifying and will drop last into the final
Zoe Atkin delivered an assured opening run, earning a best score of 91. 50 that left her atop the standings at the end of qualifying. By finishing first she will drop last into Saturday's best-of-three final at 1: 30 PM ET, a position riders often favour because it allows them to see competitors' lines and adjust strategy.
The performance drew notice from her family, with her older sister Izzy Atkin—who won Great Britain’s first Olympic medal on skis in 2018—watching on. Atkin said managing nerves in qualifying was crucial, and her first-run score gives her confidence heading into the final.
Rivals hit trouble as Eileen Gu falls and Cassie Sharpe is stretchered
The qualifying session was notable for setbacks to other leading contenders. The defending Olympic champion clipped the pipe's lip on her third trick and fell on her first run, forcing her into a clean, high-scoring second attempt. She recovered enough to qualify in fifth with a score of 86. 50, but the fall has added pressure as she attempts to defend her title.
Canada's Cassie Sharpe, a former Olympic champion and recent silver medallist, suffered a heavy crash on her second run and was attended by medics before being carried from the course on a stretcher, prompting a short delay in the competition. The incident underlined how challenging the pipe can be and how quickly fortunes can change in the event.
Schedule adjustments and Team GB notes
Heavy snow affected the venue throughout the day and forced the postponement of the men's halfpipe qualifiers; they have been rescheduled for Friday morning at 4: 30 AM ET. Two athletes set to compete in that session for Great Britain were named in the qualifying entry list.
By qualifying top, Atkin not only boosted hopes of a medal for her nation but also positioned herself to observe the runs of her closest rivals before dropping last in the final. The mix of a high-scoring opener from Atkin, a recovery from the defending champion to scrape into the top 12, and a high-profile crash has set up a tense final on Saturday at 1: 30 PM ET.
The field now turns its attention to the final, where strategy, consistency and the ability to land under pressure will determine who climbs the podium.
