History is being written on the icy slopes of Livigno, Italy, as the 2026 Winter Olympics deliver drama, breakthrough performances, and nail-biting anticipation in freestyle skiing's halfpipe events. With both the men's and women's competitions heating up, all eyes are on the athletes who are pushing the sport to new heights and rewriting the record books in the process.
South Korea's Lee Seung-hun, just 21 years old and already a decorated competitor, made headlines on February 20 by becoming the first Korean athlete ever to qualify for the Olympic men's freestyle skiing halfpipe final. Lee, representing Korea National Sport University, secured his place in history with a composed and daring performance in the qualification round at Livigno Snow Park. His top score of 76.00 points, earned on his first run, was enough to land him in 10th place overall—comfortably within the top 12 who advance to the final.
It wasn't all smooth sailing for Lee, though. The qualification round itself had to be postponed a day due to heavy snowfall, adding a layer of uncertainty and fatigue to an already high-pressure situation. When the competition finally got underway, Lee made his mark early. His first run was a showcase of precision and creativity, earning praise from judges for its technical difficulty and solid execution. However, always the risk-taker, Lee attempted an even more challenging jump during his second run. The gamble didn't pay off this time, as he failed to stick the landing. As a result, his first-run score stood as his final mark for qualification.
"I'm thrilled to have made it to the final. It's a dream come true to represent Korea at this level and to be the first to reach the final in this event," Lee said, according to Yonhap News. His journey has been one of steady ascent. At just 14, he first donned the national colors. Since then, Lee has collected a silver medal at the 2021 FIS Junior World Championships, a bronze at the 2024 FIS World Cup, and made history by becoming the first Korean to win gold in freestyle skiing at the 2025 Harbin Winter Asian Games. Four years ago at the Beijing Olympics, Lee finished 16th and didn't make the final cut. Now, he's back with a vengeance, determined to make every run count.
The men's halfpipe final is set for February 21 at 3:30 AM local time, a grueling schedule that will see athletes compete in both qualification and finals on the same day—a true test of stamina and nerves. The anticipation is palpable, not just in South Korea but across the global skiing community, as Lee's breakthrough could signal a new era for Asian athletes in a sport long dominated by North Americans and Europeans.
Meanwhile, the women's freestyle skiing halfpipe final at Milano Cortina 2026 is shaping up to be a showdown for the ages. The International Olympic Committee previewed the event on February 20, highlighting the fierce competition and star-studded lineup set to take center stage on February 21. The final is scheduled for three runs at 19:30, 20:00, and 20:30 CET, promising prime-time action for fans worldwide.
All eyes are on Eileen Gu, the People's Republic of China sensation who has already captured two silver medals in Big Air and Slopestyle at these Games. Gu, known for her technical prowess and graceful style, is aiming to defend her Olympic title in the halfpipe. She faced some adversity in qualification, taking a tumble on one of her runs, but bounced back with characteristic resilience to finish fifth overall. "I'm an evidence person, not an affirmations person," Gu told Olympics.com, reflecting on her growth and renewed sense of purpose this season. After a tough stretch in recent years, Gu says she feels "lighter" and more focused, blending her sporting ambitions with her passion for fashion and academics.
However, Gu's path to gold is anything but assured. The favorite heading into the final is Britain's Zoe Atkin, the reigning world champion and 2024/25 Crystal Globe winner. Atkin dominated the qualification round, taking the top spot and sending a clear message to her rivals. Britain's hopes are high that Atkin can follow in her sister Izzy's footsteps—Izzy claimed a silver medal at PyeongChang 2018—and bring home her first Olympic hardware.
The field is stacked with talent. China's Li Fanghui, fresh off a silver at the World Championships, qualified in second place and is eager to challenge for the top spot. Australia's Indra Brown, just 15 years old, became the youngest Australian to win a World Cup event in the lead-up to these Games and has shown nerves of steel on the big stage. With such a competitive lineup, the women's final promises twists, turns, and perhaps a surprise or two.
For fans eager to catch every moment, broadcast and streaming options abound. The Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 are available through a wide array of media rights holders: NBC Olympics and Peacock in the United States, BBC Sport and Discovery+ in the United Kingdom, CBC in Canada, Eurosport and national broadcasters across Europe, and major outlets in Australia, China, Japan, and beyond. The Olympic Channel via Olympics.com also offers coverage in selected regions, ensuring that the spectacle reaches a global audience.
Freestyle skiing's halfpipe discipline, with its soaring aerials and jaw-dropping tricks, demands a blend of athleticism, artistry, and raw courage. Athletes are judged on height, technical difficulty, combination, stability, and originality. It's a sport where a single run can make or break a career, and where the difference between gold and heartbreak can be measured in fractions of a point.
South Korea's Lee Seung-hun has already blazed a trail for his nation, inspiring a new generation of skiers who may one day follow in his tracks. "I'm proud to show what's possible for Korean athletes in freestyle skiing," Lee remarked after his historic qualification. For Eileen Gu, Zoe Atkin, Li Fanghui, Indra Brown, and their fellow competitors, the final is a stage to etch their names into Olympic lore.
As the world tunes in, the stakes couldn't be higher. Will Lee Seung-hun cap his breakthrough with a medal? Can Eileen Gu defend her crown, or will Zoe Atkin seize her moment? With the finals just hours away, the only certainty is that the halfpipe will deliver more unforgettable moments before the snow settles in Livigno.