Gu Advances to Olympic Halfpipe Final Despite Qualifier Crash
Gu Ailing Eileen, the defending champion from China, advanced to the Olympic Halfpipe Final despite facing challenges during the qualifier. Competing at the Milan-Cortina Games, Gu had an eventful run that included a fall on her first attempt. Nevertheless, she secured a score of 86.50 on her second run, which allowed her to qualify for the final.
Gu’s Performance and Qualifying Round
After finishing fifth among 12 competitors, Gu expressed her mixed feelings about the pressure of competition. “My working hypothesis is that I need to reach a certain threshold of pressure to thrive,” she remarked. Despite the struggles, she managed to push through and complete her second run successfully.
Top Competitors and Scores
The qualifier saw Great Britain’s Zoe Atkin leading with a score of 91.50, followed by China’s Li Fanghui at 90.00. Canada’s Cassie Sharpe, the 2018 Olympic champion, finished third with 88.25, even after crashing during her second attempt.
- Zoe Atkin: 91.50
- Li Fanghui: 90.00
- Cassie Sharpe: 88.25
Sharpe’s crash was concerning, as she was motionless for several minutes before receiving medical assistance and was transported off the course. The Canadian Olympic Committee later confirmed she was in stable condition but faced uncertainties regarding her participation in the final.
Gu’s Olympic Journey
At 22 years old, Gu, who had previously won two golds and a silver at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, aimed to achieve gold in all her events this year. However, she faced difficulties in both the slopestyle and big air competitions leading up to the halfpipe.
Dressed in her iconic white suit adorned with dragon motifs, Gu was the first to compete in the halfpipe. Her first run included a significant error where she clipped the wall of the halfpipe, causing her to fall. She later conveyed her exhaustion and desire to return home, highlighting the mental demands of her Olympic journey.
Looking Ahead
As she prepares for the final on Saturday, Gu acknowledges the pressure of competing in multiple disciplines. “I have to be truly the best at each to deserve anything,” she stated, reflecting her commitment to excellence in her sport.
With the final approaching, spectators and fans are eager to see if Gu can reclaim her title and add another gold medal to her career achievements at the Milan-Cortina Games.
