Despite falling on her first two runs Team GB freestyle skier Zoe Atkin finished ninth in the women’s freeski halfpipe final after scoring 73.25 on her third run. Zoe had qualified in fourth place the previous day with a score of 86.75.
Zoe Atkin talks to the media during the Beijing Olympics. Photo by Sam Mellish / Team GB
She said afterwards: “It was a little windy and a little bit slow. So, I struggled with speed in the halfpipe. After falling on my first two runs I definitely had some pressure on me on the third run.
“I wanted to put down a better run but unfortunately I just didn’t really have the speed for the tricks I wanted to complete.
“I opted for a safety run to put one down. I’ve got mixed feelings as I wasn’t able to do the run that I wanted to and be higher up in the ranks but I’m still in the Olympic final on my Olympic debut.”
Zoe’s sister Izzy Atkin had to pull out of competing after suffering a setback in her recovery from a broken pelvis.
Zoe said: “I know she’s gutted she wasn’t able to be here to watch and support me I called her after my second run because I was a little teary – I was really nervous. She gave me some advice and I knew she was with me in spirit.”
Team GB’s Gus Kenworthy qualified for the men’s halfpipe final in the 12th and final place. Kenworthy fell in his first run but scored 70.75 with his second to qualify.
Zoe Atkin in the halfpipe at Genting Snow Park in Zhangjakou, China. Photo by Sam Mellish / Team GB