On September 9, 2024, the International Ski Federation Freestyle Skiing World Cup kicked off the 2024-2025 season in Cardrona, New Zealand, where Chinese athletes Eileen Gu and Zhang Kexin showcased their skills, securing the gold and silver medals in the women’s halfpipe event.
This victory marks Eileen Gu’s first World Cup title of the season, bringing her career total to an impressive 15 World Cup championships.
Despite the challenging weather conditions, which included fog and strong winds that delayed the competition, the New Zealand event was the season opener. Gu persevered and opted for difficult maneuvers, delivering outstanding performances. By the time she took to the slopes for her third run, she had already clinched the gold with a remarkable score of 96.
Last year, Gu suffered a shoulder injury during training but still managed to compete in World Cup events, winning four titles while coping with the injury. It has been reported that she is undergoing conservative treatment for her shoulder, which still hasn’t healed completely. As the new season begins, she is competing with a shoulder brace during her training and events.
After the competition, Gu took to her social media to express her commitment to continue working hard, staying true to her initial aspirations, and breaking boundaries.
