Chinese freestyle skier Li Fanghui soared to victory on Saturday, capturing the women’s halfpipe gold medal at the FIS Freeski World Cup in Calgary, Canada. This marks her first-ever World Cup win and etches her name in the history books.
Li and Britain’s Zoe Atkin finished the season tied atop the halfpipe World Cup standings with 305 points each. According to the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS), this is the first time in freeski World Cup history that two athletes have shared the prestigious Crystal Globe.
Delivering a dominant performance, Li scored an impressive 90.50 points. Atkin followed closely with 87.75 points, while Canada’s Rachael Karker claimed bronze with 87.00 points.
“I was really happy and excited,” Li shared after her victory. “Last season, I didn’t perform very well, but I’ve been making progress all year, and I’m proud of myself.” She admitted she didn’t immediately realize she’d secured the season title following the event.
Li’s triumph in Calgary comes on the heels of her recent success at the 9th Asian Winter Games in Harbin, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province. On February 8, she clinched the hosts’ first gold medal of the Games in the women’s halfpipe event before flying to Canada for the World Cup.
Her remarkable achievements highlight her dedication and inspire young athletes around the world, showcasing the rise of talent in freestyle skiing.
