Gu Ailing competes for China in the women’s freestyle skiing slopestyle qualification at the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics in Livigno, Italy, on February 7, 2026. Photo: Wang Liang/People’s Daily

Gu Ailing, also known as Eileen Gu, bounced back to secure a berth in the women's freestyle skiing slopestyle final for China by finishing second in the qualification with a best score of 75.30 points. 

In the Italian town of Livigno on Saturday, Gu, who was seen as a key medal hope for China in the discipline, made a strong comeback in the women's freestyle skiing slopestyle qualification after a challenging first run with only 1.26 points, placing 20th.

Gu, a double Olympic gold medalist who also won a silver medal in the discipline at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, was the second to take the course in the first qualification run. She lost her balance at the end of the first rail and fell during the run. 

The 22-year-old quickly adjusted her ski boots and dragon-patterned white ski suit and completed several jumps after skipping the initial section of the course.

"Sorry for the scare," Gu posted on her Instagram page after the race. "Needed to keep everyone on their toes."

China's 19-year-old Han Linshan, who is making her Winter Olympics debut, also qualified for the final with a best score of 62.98 points, ranking fifth overall, while 21-year-old Liu Mengting placed 11th with 55.10 points. 

The qualification event featured 26 competitors, each performing only two runs, with the best single-run score determining the rankings.

Only the top 12 finishers will qualify for the final, which is scheduled to be held on Monday.