Freestyle Skiing | Canadian Halfpipe Double

Let’s call them the flying Canadians. Because that’s what Cassie Sharpe and Rachael Karker did on Friday in Beijing. They skied and flew over the halfpipe at Genting Snow Park, and came away with silver and bronze respectively.

Jean-Francois Teotonio
The Press

In front of them, the Chinese Eileen Gu completely dominated her opponents. The big star of these Games had a perfect second run, earning her 95.25 points. It is a second gold medal for the 18-year-old skier in Beijing, after the one collected at the big jump. She had also won silver in slopestyle.

Even before she took off on her third descent, the job was done. Her championship title was confirmed. Gu had tears in his eyes. She had only to do a lap of honor.

But behind Gu, there were the Canadians. Cassie Sharpe even joined him in the 90 points on his second run. The Calgary athlete had just completed a first 1080 degree jump to the right, followed by another to the left. Visibly happy with her performance, Sharpe let out squeals of delight at the bottom of the track.

But the champion of the event in PyeongChang in 2018 saved the best for last. She was awarded 90.75 points by the judges on her third attempt. No one came to catch her.

Rachael Karker, of Guelph, Ontario, was second in qualifying the day before. Thursday, she started just before Eileen Gu. His first run was the right one, with a score of 87.75 points.

A third Maple Leaf representative took part in the final. Amy Fraser placed eighth, with a first run earning her 75.25 points.