Bold claim: Zoe Atkin’s top-qualifying run signals a pivotal moment for freeski halfpipe contenders this Olympic season. Born in the United States to a British father and a Malaysian mother, Atkin has represented Great Britain throughout her career and made her Olympic debut four years ago. In Livigno Snow Park, with her sister and family watching, she delivered a composed, high-impact performance that impressed judges with the amplitude of her tricks launching from a 6.7-meter pipe diameter.
Canada’s Cassie Sharpe—2018 Olympic champion and 2022 silver medallist—qualified in third place after her first run, but tragedy struck when a heavy crash on her second run required a stretcher; she was taken away for medical care.
By finishing qualifications at the top, Atkin will carry the advantage of last draw in Saturday’s final (18:30 GMT) in the best-of-three runs format, potentially shaping the strategy for the showdown.
“It’s nerve-wracking, yet calming in a way, because you can study what everyone else is doing and plan accordingly,” Atkin explained. “Knowing the judges appreciate my skiing gives me confidence about the finals. I’m feeling excited and ready. The pipe here is fantastic—steep, which means more speed and more opportunities to go big.”
The competition schedule shifted due to heavy snowfall at Livigno, which forced the postponement of the men’s halfpipe qualifiers. They will now occur Friday morning starting at 09:30 GMT, with Britain represented by Gus Kenworthy and Liam Richards.
Should you be curious how these shifts affect medal prospects, the Olympic format—where the top qualifiers earn the last-move advantage and the opportunity to set the final run’s tone—adds a layer of strategic tension that can redefine who ultimately stands on the podium. Do you think Atkin’s top-qualifier position gives her an edge, or can Sharpe or another rider seize the moment in the finals? Share your thoughts below.
