Ailing (Eileen) Gu seals victory in World Cup return in Calgary
Competing for the first time since Beijing 2022, the freestyle skiing double Olympic champion eased to halfpipe victory, closing in on overall leader Rachael Karker.
Freestyle Skiing
Freestyle skiing star Ailing (Eileen) Gu returned to action in style with victory in the halfpipe World Cup event, on Thursday evening, 19 January.
Competing for the first time since winning halfpipe and big air Olympic gold at Beijing 2022, the People’s Republic of China athlete recorded scores of 95 in each of her three runs under the lights in Calgary, Canada.
"It's been 11 and a half months since I've competed and coming out of the Olympics, obviously it's difficult to follow that up pressure wise, but I think it's been so much fun," Gu, told CBC after.
"I've been rediscovering all this love that I have for the sport. I love it more now than ever.
"Also, juggling skiing with my first year of college is a brand new challenge this year. I'm just trying to do what I love and enjoy the whole process, and not put too much pressure on myself."
Canada’s Rachael Karker came in second on home snow, thanks to a perfect cork 1080, while Hanna Faulhaber of the USA completed the podium in third.
Gu, who won two gold medals at the Lausanne 2020 Youth Winter Olympic Games, was surrounded by fans seeking selfies and photos immediately after her victory at the bottom of the course.
The 19-year-old didn't compete in December's season-opening World Cup at Copper Mountain in Colorado, meaning she now sits third in the overall standings.
Top of the pile is Copper Mountain winner Karker, while her compatriot Amy Fraser is in second.
For a detailed look at the FIS Freeski Halfpipe World Cup standings, click here.