Zoe Atkin Qualifies Top for Freeski Halfpipe Final as Father Expresses Pride and Teammates Share the Stage

Zoe Atkin qualified top for the freeski halfpipe final with a best score of 91. 50 on her first run, putting her in the last start position for Saturday's final (18: 30 GMT). The result builds on a strong season and has been met with visible pride from her family as she aims for Olympic gold.

Zoe Atkin leads qualifiers with commanding first run

Atkin's opening run proved decisive: the 23-year-old landed a score of 91. 50 to sit ahead of the field after qualifying. Judges were impressed by the height of her tricks above the 6. 7m-high pipe and the assurance of her performance, delivered with family present at Livigno Snow Park. By qualifying top, Atkin will drop last into Saturday's best-of-three final at 18: 30 GMT, a position she described as helpful for strategy and confidence.

Family perspective and a steadying voice from home

Atkin's father said he hopes his daughter will worry less about expectations and focus on skiing she can be proud of. He emphasized modest family expectations—encouraging her simply to "ski well"—and noted the importance of maintaining composure at a major event. The family has spent time in the West Midlands, with Solihull described as a centre of family activity.

Context from the field: rivals, incidents and schedule impact

China's defending champion qualified fifth with a score of 86. 50 after crashing on a first run, setting up a likely rivalry in the final. A past Olympic champion qualified third on her opening attempt but suffered a heavy crash on her second run and was taken away on a stretcher. Those incidents left Atkin as the top qualifier and reshaped the competitive picture going into the final.

Heavy snow affected the overall schedule: men's halfpipe qualifiers were postponed and rescheduled for Friday morning from 09: 30 GMT. That session will include teammates contesting the men's event.

What this qualification means for Atkin and what's next

The top qualification consolidates Atkin's status as a leading contender in the freeski halfpipe at these Games. Her Olympic debut came four years earlier, and she competes for Great Britain while having been born and raised in the United States to a British father and a Malaysian mother. With family watching, Atkin executed an assured performance that set a high bar for Saturday's final.

Key facts and timeline

• Qualifying performance: Zoe Atkin's best score of 91. 50 came on her first run.
• Final format: Saturday's final will be contested in a best-of-three runs format; Atkin will drop last at 18: 30 GMT.
• Notable qualifiers: past champions and medalists made the final field but some sustained crashes during qualification runs.
• Schedule impact: heavy snow postponed men's qualifiers to Friday morning (09: 30 GMT).

Recent updates indicate this is the current competitive picture; details may evolve as finals approach.