Women's Olympic freeski halfpipe final delayed due to heavy snow
Third weather-related schedule disruption in Livigno during the 2026 Games
Eileen Gu seeking third medal of these Olympics and sixth overall
Event concludes the action sports portion of the Milan Cortina Games
📖 Full Retelling
The women's Olympic freeski halfpipe final has been delayed in Livigno, Italy on Saturday, February 21, 2026, due to heavy snow falling in the Italian Alps, pushing the event from its original 7:30 p.m. local time start to 9:00 p.m. The persistent snowstorms have significantly disrupted the schedule at the 2026 Milan Cortina Games, with this being the third time weather has caused delays and reshuffling of events in the mountain resort hosting the freeski and snowboarding competitions. The halfpipe final carries particular significance as it concludes the action sports portion of the Winter Olympics, with events wrapping up the following day. The competition features defending champion Eileen Gu, who is attempting to secure her third medal of these Games and her sixth career Olympic medal. The 22-year-old athlete, born in the United States but competing for China, has already claimed two silver medals in slopestyle and big air during these Olympics. Four years ago, Gu made history as the first freestyle skier to win three medals in a single Olympics at the Beijing Games.
Twenty-first solar term of traditional East Asian calendars
The traditional Chinese lunisolar calendar divides a year into 24 solar terms. Dàxuě (Chinese: 大雪; pinyin: dàxuě) is the 21st solar term. It begins when the Sun reaches the celestial longitude of 255° and ends when it reaches the longitude of 270°.
Eileen Feng Gu (born September 3, 2003), also known by her Chinese name Gu Ailing (谷爱凌), is a freestyle skier. Born in the United States, she has competed for China in halfpipe, slopestyle, and big air events since 2019.
At age 18, Gu became the youngest Olympic champion in freestyle skiing after wi...
The delay due to heavy snow highlights the impact of weather on Olympic scheduling and athlete preparation. It also affects viewership and broadcast plans for the 2026 Winter Games.
Context & Background
The women's freeski halfpipe final is the last action sports event at the Games
Defending champion Eileen Gu aims for a third medal
Heavy snow has already caused two prior event reshuffles in Livigno
What Happens Next
The final will now take place at 9:00 p.m. local time, with athletes adjusting their routines. Broadcast schedules will be updated accordingly, and organizers will monitor weather for further changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the defending champion?
Eileen Gu
Why was the event delayed?
Heavy snow in the Italian Alps
When will the final be held?
9:00 p.m. local time
Will there be more delays?
Uncertain, depends on weather
Original Source
Women's Olympic freeski halfpipe final delayed because of heavy snow in the Italian Alps The women’s Olympic freeski halfpipe final has been delayed because of heavy snow falling in the Italian Alps By The Associated Press February 21, 2026, 11:35 AM LIVIGNO, Italy -- The women's Olympic freeski halfpipe final has been delayed because of heavy snow falling Saturday in the Italian Alps. The final scheduled for 7:30 p.m. local time has been pushed back to 9:00 p.m. Snowstorms this week have caused delays and events to be reshuffled twice already in Livigno, where the Olympic freeski and snowboarding events are being held. The women’s halfpipe final is the final event of the action sports events at the 2026 Milan Cortina Games , which conclude on Sunday. The final will feature defending champion Eileen Gu going for her third medal of these Games and her sixth in as many career Olympic events. The 22-year-old Gu, who was born in the United States and competes for China, has won two silvers in Italy, finishing second in both slopestyle and big air. Popular Reads Nancy Guthrie live updates: More than 1 suspect not ruled out, sheriff's office says Feb 20, 4:51 PM Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor released after arrest on suspicion of misconduct Feb 19, 4:23 PM Nancy Guthrie case: Person released as search for 'armed individual' continues Feb 10, 11:15 PM Four years ago, Gu became the first freestyle skier to win three medals in a single Olympics after she won gold in halfpipe and big air and silver in slopestyle at the 2022 Beijing Games. Trying to stop her from repeating as the halfpipe champion will be Amy Fraser of Canada, the only skier to beat Gu in a major contest since she won Olympic gold four years ago. Zoe Atkin, an American-born skier who competes for Britain, is also eyeing the podium after she finished first in Thursday’s qualifying. ___ AP Winter Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/milan-cortina-2026-winter-olympics Sponsored Content by Taboola Popular Reads Nancy Guth...
