Great Britain’s Zoe Atkin secured her first world title at the freeski halfpipe championships in Engadin, Switzerland, on Sunday, marking the pinnacle of an outstanding season. Atkin, 22, had previously earned bronze in 2021 and silver in 2023, making her victory this year especially sweet.
“I feel amazing, I’m world champion,” Atkin said after her win. “I’m going to celebrate with all the Swiss chocolate in my room and have a drink on the patio. I’m just so excited.”
Atkin faced a tough start, falling during her first run and finishing in ninth place. She was trailing behind China’s Li Fanghui, who led with a score of 90.25 points. However, Atkin quickly rebounded with a phenomenal second run. Her final attempt, which featured the highest altitude of the day, earned her a score of 93.50.
Atkin was left anxiously waiting to see whether her score would secure the top spot. In the final moments, she was up against Li, the other top contender. Despite a strong performance, Li’s score of 93.00 was not enough, leaving her just 0.5 points behind Atkin. Canada’s Cassie Sharpe claimed bronze with 88.00 points.
“I was so nervous going into my second run,” Atkin admitted. “To nail it under pressure felt incredible. After finishing third in my first world championship and second in my second, winning gold this year just feels amazing.”
Atkin’s victory capped a season where she made a bold commitment to pursuing gold. “This season, I told myself, ‘I’m going for the gold.’ I worked hard and added a new trick to my routine to make it happen,” she said.
Earlier this month, Atkin and Li shared the overall freeski halfpipe World Cup title, each claiming a win, two second-place finishes, and a fifth-place finish throughout the season. It was the first time the World Cup crystal globe had been shared between two athletes.