Winter Olympics 2022: Favourite Eileen Gu tops freeski halfpipe qualification as GB’s Zoe Atkin reaches final in fourth

Chinese superstar Eileen Gu outlined why she is the hot favourite for a second gold at Beijing 2022 when comfortably topping the women’s freeski qualifying, while Team GB’s Zoe Atkin is also a medal contender after reaching the final in fourth. Gu, 18, has already won big air gold and slopestyle silver at these Winter Olympics, and she could take some stopping in the halfpipe final – which takes place on Friday from 1.30am GMT.

Ad/> A score of 95.50 saw Gu top the standings, with Rachael Karker second and Olympic debutant Atkin safely through with an 86.75. /> Beijing 2022Gus Kenworthy on inspiring Team GB athletes and the British public with his coming out story10 HOURS AGO Team GB are yet to win a medal at these Games, and while the men’s curling team could guarantee at least silver if they win their semi-final on Thursday afternoon, Atkin could become the first Briton on the podium if she makes the top three in the early hours on Friday.

Twenty athletes went out knowing the top 12 would make the final, with the best score from two runs counting. Some of the big guns were up early, with Hanna Faulhaber posting 84.25 before Rachael Karker — silver at world championships last year – went bigger with an 88.50.

'I have met my goal' — poster girl Gu happy to influence a new generation Gremaud wins slopestyle gold as Gu claims silver, Team GB duo finish inside top 10 Team GB's Zoe Atkin, 18, wins halfpipe bronze in Aspen Then it was the turn of Gu, who enjoyed a perfect World Cup season in the halfpipe by winning all four events heading into the Games – her season’s best a 97.50 – and she set the standard at the Genting Snow Park H & S Stadium with a 93.75. Reigning champion Cassie Sharpe then recorded an 86.25 in what was