Last Saturday, December 6, 2025, at Genting Snow Park in Zhangjiakou, north China's Hebei Province, home athletes swept the women's freeski halfpipe podium 🎿🏆. Olympic champion Gu Ailing claimed gold, followed by Zhang Kexin (silver) and Li Fanghui (bronze).
It was Gu's first halfpipe contest in nearly a year. Competing on her "home course" in Chongli made the win extra meaningful. "To come back here in Chongli, almost like my 'home course', and win again feels amazing. I really enjoyed being back in the start gate," Gu said after the final.
The Snow League is an invitation-only series independent of the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS). Its head-to-head elimination format adds unpredictability and tests riders' consistency under pressure.
In the semifinals, Gu edged out Li Fanghui, while Zhang Kexin beat Svea Irving from the United States. That secured a 1-2 finish for the home athletes even before the medal runs began.
In the best-of-three final, Gu delivered two flawless runs to defeat Zhang in straight rounds. In the bronze contest, Li outperformed Irving to seal her spot on the podium.
"It's really special to stand on the podium with Zhang Kexin and Li Fanghui," Gu added. "We've known each other for years and always push one another. Sharing this moment in China means a lot to me."
As the Winter 2025–26 season heats up, fans can look forward to more epic freeski and snowboard showdowns across Asia and beyond. Stay tuned! 🎿🌟
Reference(s):
Gu Ailing leads China's podium sweep in Snow League freeski halfpipe
cgtn.com
