China's Gu Ailing kicked off her Olympic debut campaign with a gold medal in the freestyle skiing women's freeski big air event at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics on Tuesday.

Gu, 18, achieved a total of 188.25 points from her two best attempts out of three. 

France's Tess Ledeux won the silver medal with 187.50 points, while Switzerland's Mathilde Gremaud took the bronze with 182.50.

Gu stormed to 93.75 points in her first attempt, easily landing the trick that contributed to her World Cup success in Steamboat in 2021 – a double cork 1440.

She scored 88.50 points in her second attempt and then surprised everyone to create the biggest turn of the event.

The teen skiing sensation topped the scoreboard with 94.50 points in her last attempt, in which she landed a double cork 1620, putting pressure on Ledeux and Gremaud.

Gremaud fell on the ramp, while Ledeux landed on one foot. Gu was there to console them after they finished their last runs, respectively. 

"I am so happy. This is the best day of my life. That was the best moment in my life. Moments like this make everything so worth it. I've really put blood, sweat and tears (in it)," Gu told CGTN after winning the final. 

"It all paid off! I've dreamt about this moment for years and years and years! And I'm so happy to have the home crowd here backing me," she added. 

This is the big air event's debut at the Olympics. International Olympic Committee chief Thomas Bach watched the competition in person at Big Air Shougang in Beijing.

The men's freeski big air final will take place on Wednesday.