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Some of the highest-flying athletes at the Winter Games shoot for gold, as the finals of the Women’s Freestyle Skiing Aerials event is set for Wednesday.
Freestyle Skiing has been part of the Winter Games’ program since 1988. The exciting sight of athletes soaring through the sky has been an exciting sight for fans. Aerials was a demonstration sport in both 1988 and 1992, but was officially entered into the program as a medal event in Lillehammer, Norway in 1994.
There is quite a bit of unknown heading into the finals on Wednesday, as qualification for the competition was postponed due to poor conditions with heavy snow making things a little too dangerous for the athletes.
With that, there has been less time for the competitors to recuperate. Yet, it should lead to a thrilling final.
Of the athletes to watch for in the event, China has a number of stars that are destined for the podium in Livigno. Xu Mengtao won gold on home snow in Beijing four years ago. The 35-time winner in World Cup events is considered by many to be one of the greatest aerial skiers of all time. However, looking to challenge her is Australia’s Danielle Scott.
On the U.S. side, Winter Vinecki and Kaila Kuhn hope to put on a show in Italy this week, though it might be tough for either of them to grab a medal.
FREESTYLE SKIING
Women’s Aerials Final
When: Wednesday, February 18
Time: 5:30 a.m. ET
Where: Livigno Snow Park (Livigno, Italy)
Channel: USA Network, NBC (re-air, 1:30 p.m.)