Li Fanghui Grabs First Gold for China in Women's Freeski Halfpipe at Asian Winter Games

Li Fanghui Takes Gold in Women's Freeski Halfpipe at Asian Winter Games

Chinese athlete Li Fanghui emerged victorious in the women's freeski halfpipe final at the 9th Asian Winter Games in Harbin, Heilongjiang Province. This victory marks the first gold medal for the Chinese delegation at the Games and the first gold in a snow event.

Li delivered a near-perfect performance in the first round, scoring an impressive 93 points. Her teammate, Zhang Kexin, followed closely with 87.50 points. By the end of the first round, the two Chinese athletes held a commanding lead.

Despite strong competition from South Korean athletes, neither Li nor Zhang were surpassed in the subsequent rounds. Li even managed to improve her score to 95.25 points, solidifying her position at the top.

The absence of Eileen Gu, the original favorite for the event, played a role in the outcome. Gu sustained an injury at the X Games Aspen 2025 and was unable to compete. Li, who stepped in as a substitute, arrived at the competition just two days prior.

The women's freeski halfpipe final consisted of three runs, with the highest score determining the final ranking. Judges evaluated the performances based on various factors, including the difficulty of the moves, execution quality, variety of tricks, air height, and innovation. Li's impressive performance showcased her talent and dedication, securing the first gold medal for China at the 9th Asian Winter Games.