Gu Ailin did everything she could to win the gold medal that eluded her at the Winter Olympics on Sunday, and the United States defeated Canada in the high-stakes final of men’s ice hockey.
American-born Chinese freestyle skier Gu has already won two silver medals at the Milan-Cortina Olympics, but her favorite sport, halfpipe, always looked like the favorite for a third career gold.
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She was forced to wait after Saturday’s event was postponed due to heavy snowfall in Livigno, high in the Italian Alps.
Under the blazing sun on Sunday, Gu dazzled the judges with a best score of 94.75, soaring high over the edge of the halfpipe and performing her tricks with precision.
She defeated Chinese teammate Li Fanghui with a score of 93.00, and Britain’s Zoe Atkin won the bronze medal.
In the process, she became the most decorated freestyle skier (male or female) in Winter Olympic history.
As in previous games, Gu was forced to deal with the pressure he put on himself.
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The defending champion failed to get past her first round as world champion Atkin took the lead.
But Gu Xiao, who now has three Olympic gold medals and three silver medals, took the lead in the second round and improved in the second round, much to the delight of legions of Chinese fans.
“I fight every day,” Gu said. “I give it my all every day here, no joke.
“I showed my best skiing in all three events and that’s all I can ask for in terms of performance – it’s really important to be able to show the world the best that women’s skiing has to offer right now.
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“I’m the most decorated freeskier ever, male or female,” Gu added.
“It’s a testament to competitive strength, it’s mental strength. It’s being able to perform under pressure. It doesn’t matter if you’re a boy or a girl.”
– US claims overtime thriller –
The men’s ice hockey tournament got the final the neutrals wanted when Jack Hughes scored the winning goal in overtime to give the U.S. men their first Olympic victory since the 1980 “Miracle on Ice” victory over the Soviet Union in Lake Placid.
It deprived Team Canada of its record 10th Olympic title and first since Sochi in 2014.
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Matt Boldy gave the United States a 1-0 lead in the first period before Cale Makar equalized for Canada.
As the game entered three-on-three overtime, Hughes’ penalty kick skills delighted his teammates and American fans.
The game has an extra edge as U.S. President Donald Trump has heightened tensions with his North American neighbors over the past year.
“Congratulations to our great USA Hockey Team. They won the gold medal. Wow!” Trump said on Truth Social, adding: “What a great game!”
After the exciting ice hockey game (the final medal battle of the Olympic Games), the closing ceremony will be held in the elegant environment of Verona.
Norway tops the medal table with 18 gold medals and 41 medals. The United States ranked second with 12 gold medals, and the Netherlands ranked third with 10 gold medals.
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