Olympics-Freestyle skiing-Gu roars via halfpipe qualifiers, eyes 3-medal aim

By Mari Saito and Winni Zhou

ZHANGJIAKOU, China (Reuters) -China’s residence favorite Eileen Gu blazed via ladies’s freeski halfpipe qualifiers on Thursday, transferring a step nearer to her aim of successful three medals at her maiden Olympic Video games.

Gu dropped into the halfpipe on Thursday and made two assured runs, incomes a high rating of 95.50 after touchdown back-to-back 900s with mid-air grabs in her second strive. Together with her spot within the remaining just about assured, Gu waved her ski poles and smiled extensively on the digicam after her run.

“I really didn’t have loads of time for coaching however I’m glad at the moment,” Gu advised reporters, including that she hadn’t had a day of relaxation for the reason that opening ceremony of the Beijing Video games.

Regardless of that, Gu was in good spirits.

“I really feel actually good,” she mentioned.

Loyal followers braved frigid temperatures of -14.6 levels Celsius (5.7°F) to carry up pink playing cards emblazoned with the 18-year-old’s identify in Chinese language, whereas different supporters unfurled a big Chinese language flag and shook neon inexperienced plastic handclappers every time Gu appeared on the halfpipe.

Gu, who competed within the U.S. crew as a toddler however switched to compete for China in 2019, has mentioned that her new aim for the Video games was to complete on the rostrum for all three of her occasions after she received a Massive Air gold final week and grabbed a silver medal on the slopestyle remaining on Tuesday.

In second place in Thursday’s qualifiers was first-time Olympian Rachael Karker of Canada along with her greatest run rating of 89.50.

Typically in comparison with Gu and referred by Chinese language commentators as one of many “surprise ladies” of freestyle snowboarding, Estonia’s Kelly Sildaru additionally superior to the ultimate, along with her first run rating of 87.50 simply placing her at third place. Assured in her first rating, Sildaru didn’t return for the second run of the day.

“It was a fairly simple run, I used to be so shocked I scored a lot,” Sildaru mentioned, indicating that she had extra tips to throughout the remaining.

Pyeongchang gold medallist Cassie Sharpe from Canada got here in at sixth place throughout the qualifiers.

Every skier bought two runs on the course within the qualifiers. The highest 12 from the day’s runs superior to the ultimate, which is scheduled for Friday.

(Further reporting by Philip O’Connor;Modifying by Muralikumar Anantharaman)