Zoe Atkin Claims Bronze in Women's Halfpipe at Winter Olympics
Freestyle skier Zoe Atkin has earned a bronze medal in the women's halfpipe final at the Winter Olympics in Livigno, Italy. This achievement contributes to a record-equalling medal tally for Team GB, which now stands at five medals for the 2026 Games.
Historic Medal Haul for Team GB
Team GB's total of five medals matches the previous records set in 2014 and 2018. The current haul includes three gold medals, surpassing any prior Winter Games performance, along with a silver in men's curling secured on Saturday. Atkin's bronze adds to this impressive collection, highlighting a breakthrough moment for British winter sports.
Atkin's Background and Performance
Zoe Atkin, who holds dual UK-American citizenship from birth and hails from Massachusetts, entered the Olympics with strong momentum after winning the superpipe competition at last month's Aspen X Games. In the halfpipe event, athletes perform acrobatic tricks on a U-shaped course of hard-packed snow, showcasing skill and precision under pressure.
Team GB's Golden Weekend
Last weekend marked a historic milestone for Team GB, with two gold medals won in a single day—a first in Winter Olympics history. Charlotte Bankes and Huw Nightingale triumphed in the mixed team snowboarding, while Matt Weston and Tabby Stoecker secured victory in the mixed team skeleton. Weston also earned a separate gold in the men's singles skeleton, underscoring his dominance in the sport.
Official Reactions and Future Prospects
Dr. Kate Baker, Director of Performance at UK Sport, praised the team's achievements, stating, "It's absolutely been an historic games for Team GB. We've never had more than one gold medal at a games before, and so to come home with multiple is absolutely brilliant." Despite missing out on gold in men's curling on Saturday, settling for silver after a tense final against Canada, the overall performance signals a promising future for British athletes in winter sports.
As the Winter Olympics continue, Team GB's record-equalling medal haul reflects years of dedication and training, with athletes like Zoe Atkin leading the charge in competitive events. The success in Livigno sets a new benchmark for future Games, inspiring a generation of skiers and snowboarders across the UK.
