Gu Ailing, Liu Mengting reach women's freeski big air final at Milano Cortina 2026

Defending champion Gu Ailing of China advanced to the women's freestyle skiing big air final at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics on Saturday, along with compatriot Liu Mengting.

Gu opened the qualification round with a rightward takeoff double cork 1440 with crail grab, landing cleanly to earn 86.00 points. On her second attempt, she went for a leftward takeoff double cork 1080 with blindside grab, but fell upon landing, picking up just 20.75 points. The 22-year-old repeated the maneuver on her third run and nailed it successfully, scoring 84.75 points.

Under the rules, the best two scores from different takeoff directions count toward the final total, with the top 12 advancing. Gu ended up second in the standings with a combined 170.75 points. Liu ranked ninth with 160.00, while Yang Ruyi placed 16th with 136.75 points, failing to qualify.

Canada's slopestyle bronze medalist Megan Oldham topped the big air standings with 171.75 points.

"This is my first big air competition in four years. I barely trained for it in between," Gu said. "I wasn't thinking about a medal or the color of the medal. I just wanted to show my moves. I felt no pressure. If I had the chance, I'd go for it."

Now she's looking forward to raising her level.

"Even though I haven't competed in big air for a long time, I still know how to ski and understand my body," Gu added. "Before the third jump, I wasn't scared. I'm really proud of competing in three events – slopestyle, halfpipe and big air – as a female athlete. A lot of people told me it's impossible, but I'm doing it. I'll give it everything and see what will happen next."

The women's big air final is scheduled for Monday.