How Did GB's Atkin Secure the Top Spot for the Halfpipe Final?

British freestyle skier Zoe Atkin has qualified at the top for the freeski halfpipe final, scoring 91.50 on her first run, as she aims to secure a Winter Olympic title to complement her World Championship achievements. The 23-year-old's strong performance showcases her potential against formidable competitors, including China's Eileen Gu, who qualified fifth.

Last updated: 15 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Zoe Atkin's impressive qualification run for the freeski halfpipe final has set the stage for an exciting competition on Saturday. As the top qualifier, Atkin will have the advantage of observing her competitors before her final runs, allowing her to strategise and build on her confidence. The women's halfpipe final is scheduled for 18:30 GMT, and anticipation is building around how Atkin will perform against notable rivals such as Eileen Gu, who is regarded as a potential gold medal contender.

Key takeaways

Zoe Atkin qualified for the freeski halfpipe final with a score of 91.50.
She is the younger sister of Izzy Atkin, Great Britain's first Olympic medalist in skiing.
Eileen Gu, the defending champion, qualified in fifth place with a score of 86.50.
The final is set for Saturday at 18:30 GMT.
Heavy snowfall caused the postponement of the men's halfpipe qualifiers.

Timeline: how we got here

The path to Atkin's qualification has been marked by key milestones in her career and the preparations leading up to the Winter Olympics:

2018: Atkin makes her Olympic debut in PyeongChang.
2022: Atkin wins her first World Championship title.
2023: Atkin competes at the X Games, securing her status as a top freestyle skier.
15 October 2023: Atkin qualifies for the Winter Olympics freeski halfpipe final in Livigno.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Atkin's qualification run marks a significant achievement, showcasing her skill and potential for winning a medal at the upcoming final. The heavy snowfall that affected the men's qualifiers has also been a recent development, altering the event schedule.

What was already established

Atkin has consistently performed well in international competitions, including her title wins and her previous Olympic experience. Her ability to handle pressure during qualifiers has been a hallmark of her career, indicating her readiness for high-stakes events.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The success of athletes like Atkin at the Winter Olympics can inspire national pride and interest in winter sports, potentially leading to increased participation and support for local athletes and events. The visibility of the Olympics may also encourage tourism and investment in winter sports facilities across the UK.

Businesses and jobs

As the profile of winter sports rises, businesses associated with skiing may see increased demand for equipment, training, and facilities. This can create job opportunities in coaching, retail, and event management sectors. Additionally, sponsorship and marketing activities may grow as brands look to associate themselves with successful athletes.

Policy and regulation

The success of British athletes may prompt discussions around funding and support for winter sports programmes. The UK government and sporting bodies might consider increasing investment in training facilities and athlete development to enhance performance on the international stage.

Numbers that matter

91.50: Zoe Atkin's top score in the qualification round.
86.50: Score of Eileen Gu, the defending champion, who qualified fifth.
18: The number of competitors in the final.
6.7m: The height of the halfpipe, allowing for impressive tricks and stunts.
2: The number of runs allowed in the qualification process.

Definitions and jargon buster

Halfpipe: A U-shaped structure used in freestyle skiing and snowboarding where athletes perform tricks and stunts.
Freestyle skiing: A branch of skiing that includes various styles such as halfpipe, slopestyle, and mogul skiing.
X Games: An extreme sports event that features competitions in action sports such as skateboarding, snowboarding, and skiing.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Following the qualification, Atkin's immediate focus will be on the final event. She will likely continue to refine her strategies and prepare for potential changes in weather or competitor performances.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Post-Olympics, Atkin may participate in various skiing events, including World Cup competitions and further preparations for future championships. It may also be a time for reflection and planning her training schedule for the next competitive season.

Signals to watch

Competitor scores and performances during the finals.
Weather conditions impacting the halfpipe and other events.
Public and media reactions to Atkin's performance and overall Olympic outcomes.

Practical guidance

Do

Follow the finals closely to see how Atkin performs under pressure.
Support local winter sports initiatives to encourage athlete development.
Engage with community events and activities related to skiing and snowboarding.

Don’t

Underestimate the challenges athletes face in high-pressure competitions.
Overlook the importance of mental preparation alongside physical training.
Neglect the impact of weather conditions on performance in winter sports.

Checklist

Stay updated on event schedules and results for the Winter Olympics.
Watch live streams or highlights to catch key performances.
Research more about freestyle skiing and its various disciplines.
Consider attending local skiing events or competitions.
Encourage young athletes and enthusiasts to pursue winter sports.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While Atkin has shown promise, the unpredictability of sports means that outcomes can change rapidly based on various factors, including weather conditions and the performances of competitors. Injuries, such as the one that affected Canada's Cassie Sharpe, can also impact the dynamics of the competition. Thus, while Atkin's qualification is a positive indicator, the final results remain uncertain until the event concludes.

Bottom line

Zoe Atkin's strong qualification run for the freeski halfpipe final highlights her potential to secure a medal at the Winter Olympics. Her performance, alongside her family support and strategic advantage in the final, positions her as a promising contender. As the Olympic competition unfolds, the excitement surrounding her journey will undoubtedly inspire many in the UK and beyond to engage with winter sports.

FAQs

What is Zoe Atkin's qualification score for the freeski halfpipe final?

Zoe Atkin qualified for the final with a score of 91.50, placing her at the top of the qualifiers.

When is the freeski halfpipe final scheduled?

The freeski halfpipe final is set for Saturday at 18:30 GMT.

Who is Zoe Atkin's main competitor at the Olympics?

China's Eileen Gu is expected to be Zoe Atkin's main competitor, having qualified fifth with a score of 86.50.