Winter Olympics 2026: China’s Gu soars to gold as GB’s Atkin takes bronze in freeski halfpipe final – live
Guardian Sport
by Tom Bassam (earlier) and Yara El-Shaboury (now)February 22, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
China’s freeski halfpipe star Eileen Gu claimed a well-deserved gold medal, while Team GB’s Zoe Atkin secured bronze in a thrilling final at the Winter Olympics 2026. Gu, widely regarded as one of the rising stars in skiing, showcased her technical precision and artistic flair to earn the top spot. Atkin, who had led after qualifying first, delivered a solid performance but fell short of the gold, settling for the bronze medal. The event was marked by fierce competition, with both athletes pushing their limits in pursuit of victory.
The women’s halfpipe final at Livigno saw a mix of skill and drama. Gu, known for her innovative tricks and graceful style, executed a series of flawless maneuvers that left the judges impressed. Atkin, on the other hand, demonstrated consistency and resilience throughout the competition. Her bronze medal finish was a testament to her hard work and determination. The event not only highlighted the growing global talent in freeskiing but also underscored the intense rivalry among top athletes.
Meanwhile, there was unexpected news from the 50km women’s cross-country skiing event. Frida Karlsson, the favorite for gold, withdrew from the competition due to undisclosed reasons. Karlsson had already secured two gold medals and a silver in previous events, making her withdrawal a significant blow to the sport. Her absence opened up opportunities for other competitors, adding another layer of intrigue to the medal table.
The outcome of these events has sparked excitement among sports fans and highlights the unpredictable nature of competitive sports. Gu’s victory and Atkin’s bronze have further cemented their reputations as formidable athletes on the world stage. With the Olympics still underway, fans eagerly await more thrilling moments and potential upsets that could shape the medal table in unexpected ways.
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Originally published on Guardian Sport on 2/22/2026