Photo: Wang Liang/People's Daily

China's defending champion Gu Ailing claimed silver in the women's freeski big air at Milan-Cortina 2026 after overcoming tough weather conditionson Monday. With the silver, Gu now owns five Winter Olympic medals, the most by any woman in freeski history.

The 22-year-old secured the silver medal with a total score of 179.00 points. Canadian athlete Megan Oldham claimed the gold with 180.75 points, while Italy's Flora Tabanelli took home the bronze, according to the Xinhua News Agency.

The report said that Gu opened with a strong 90.00-point run, slipped slightly on landing for 61.25 in her second attempt, then responded under pressure with 89.00 points in the final round.

"The expectations were - I wouldn't say low, but I was just trying to take it one step at a time going into my first big air competition in four years and just go out there and ski and see what happens," Gu said.

Gu won gold in this event at the Beijing Winter Olympics four years ago, according to China News Service.

"I'm so happy," she added. "Today is the first day of the Chinese New Year, the Year of the Horse, and I hope everyone has a great year and success in everything they do."

Chinese netizens congratulated Gu on winning another medal on social media, noting thatachieving such a result in difficult weather conditions was no easy feat. Thenews quickly topped thetrending topicsliston Sina Weibo.

The event was postponed by one hour due to heavy snowfall, China News Service reported.

Global Times