The event presented with strong winds was dominated from one end to the other by the favorite Eileen Gu. The representative of China was flamboyant to win gold, her third medal of the Games. His best run earned him 95.25 points, but his second-highest-scoring run (93.25) would have been enough to win.
Reigning Olympic champion Cassie Sharpe showed consistency throughout this final. His third and final attempt, good for 90.75 points, was the one that allowed him to take the silver.
« I still don’t believe it! I think back on all it took to get here and it makes me really proud. »
It is an unexpected success for the British Columbian who has just returned from a long rehabilitation. A little over a year ago, she had fallen heavily X Games of Aspen. She then tore the anterior cruciate ligament in her left knee and partially tore the medial collateral ligament.
She resumed competition on the international circuit only in December 2021. A 4th place in January, at the World Cup in Calgary, gave him confidence before flying to China.
There are a lot of talented new girls. I just told myself that if I did everything possible, it would bring results.
pointed out Sharpe, who praised her friend and podium partner in passing.
I am very proud of Rachael! She has really improved in the last four years. To be on the podium with another Canadian is surreal.
Rachael Karker, who is taking part in her first Games, followed her closely. She fought her way to the third step of the podium thanks to her first run of 87.75 points.
The 24-year-old Ontarian, silver medalist at the last World Championships, thus continued her momentum. She has been on the podium in her last eight World Cup appearances.
Friday, the one who had ranked 2nd in qualifying was a little short on her very first jump, but quickly made people forget this sequence to reach the bottom of the track in a brilliant way.
A little hesitation on her second run led her to a score of 85.25. Meanwhile, Estonian Kelly Sildaru came to heat the Canadian with 87 points. She tried to dislodge Karker in the third round, to no avail.
Rachael Karker did not complete her third and final attempt and ultimately remained 3rd.
I’m happy to come away with a medal. It wasn’t the best performance of my career, but the best I could do today. It makes me very proud
did she say.
« That’s wonderful! It’s an honor to share the podium with such good skiers and I’m happy to be at their side. »
Also in action, Canadian Amy Fraser opened the final with a score of 75.25. On her second pass in the imposing halfpipe, the 26-year-old skier lost speed on landing a trick and did not finish her performance.
She fell on her last try and is in 8th place. She thus improved her qualifying ranking, where she was 11th.
I’m very happy to have reached the final at my first Games. It’s a whole other challenge to deal with that nervousness. A little disappointed with the way I skied today, but it’s been five days in a row in competition and the girls have been very strong
said Amy Fraser.
It wasn’t the best conditions and it was difficult with the wind. But at least I made it down
she added.
Canada is the first country to achieve a double in the women’s halfpipe event, which entered the Olympic program in 2014.
Cassie Sharpe and Rachael Karker gave Canada its 21st and 22nd Beijing Games medals.
« I’m so proud of them. Cassie coming back from injury… I don’t know if people realize what she’s been through to make a comeback. Rachael also worked so hard. Maybe next time it will be an all-Canadian podium! »
Canadians Cassie Sharpe (left) and Rachael Karker (right) won the silver and bronze medals respectively in the freestyle skiing halfpipe event in Beijing. China’s Eileen Gu (centre) won gold.
Photo : Getty Images / AFP / MARCO BERTORELLO
A hat-trick for the Snow Queen
L’golden leaplfreestyle money…and again gold at the half-moon.
Eileen Gu could hardly have asked for better to wrap up her first Olympics.
In search of a third medal in Beijing, the darling skier of the crowd impressed as soon as she entered the course. The Chinese-American easily nailed her first run of the final after dominating qualifying the day before. Her collection of 93.25 points placed her provisionally in the lead.
Her amplitude and her acrobatics were clearly superior to those of all her competitors. She was assured of victory before making her final run.
I do not believe it! I keep telling myself that I did well. Three Olympic medals, two gold medals, I just can’t believe it! I worked so hard to get there. To see that it paid off, it’s just indescribable
launched the gold medalist, honored to make history.
At the same time, she became the first freestyle skier to win three Olympic medals during the same Games.
The spotlight was on her after she decided to represent China, even though she grew up in the United States.
I’m immensely proud of how I handled the pressure here. I definitely felt that several people looked up to me and had high expectations of me. It created a special dynamic to juggle initially, but during the Games I gained a lot in terms of my mental toughness. I learned how I reacted in certain situations. And now that I’ve been through all that, I’m much stronger mentally.
Eileen Gu, 18, already has the curriculum vitae of a great champion. His three Olympic medals are in addition to his two world titles in 2021, won in the halfpipe and the big jump. She had also received bronze in the acrobatic descent of this event.
The new sensation in freestyle skiing also has eight gold, three silver and one bronze in the World Cup after only 15 starts.
The men’s halfpipe final will be staged in Beijing on Saturday. Three Canadians to watch: Brendan Mackay, Noah Bowman and Simon d’Artois.