China’s Xu Mengtao wins her second Olympic gold in freestyle skiing aerials, becoming the first athlete to claim two Olympic aerials titles at Milano Cortina.
China’s Xu Mengtao fought back tears after winning gold in women’s freestyle skiing aerials at the Milano Cortina Winter Games.
At 35, Xu became the first athlete to win two Olympic gold medals in freestyle skiing aerials. “I believe in the power of belief,” she said after the ceremony.
Heavy snowfall forced organisers to move the qualification round from Feb. 17th to the same day as the final. As a result, athletes had to compete twice within hours. Even so, Xu improved with each jump.
She scored 89.29 in qualification. Then she earned 107.75 in the first final round. In the decisive second round, she delivered a clean, confident performance, posting 112.90 points. Once she landed steadily, she raised her arms in celebration, knowing the gold was hers.
Australia’s Danielle Scott took silver with 102.17 points. China’s Shao Qi secured bronze at 101.90, while Kong Fanyu placed fourth with 101.31.
“I jumped extremely well today, so I wasn’t worried about the score,” Xu said, smiling as usual.
However, she stressed that the victory belonged to the whole team. “Everyone on the Chinese aerials team supported and trusted me. They believed I could do it again. At 35, this journey has not been easy,” she said. Throughout the Milano Olympic cycle, coaches designed a more scientific training program to keep her competitive. “I trust my coaches completely. Today, everything was just right.”
When asked about the next Winter Olympics, Xu did not give a clear no. Instead, she smiled. “I’m still looking forward to my sixth Games. If I can stand on that stage again, I will already have won.”
Xu claimed her first international medal in 2006. Twenty years later, she has set a new Olympic benchmark in aerials. And for now, her career continues.
Written by Ronnie Yu, additional reporting by CNS.
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