Megan Oldham Claims Gold in Freestyle Big Air at Milan Cortina Games

Canada’s Megan Oldham secured the gold medal in freestyle big air at the Milan Cortina Games on February 12, 2024. Oldham achieved a remarkable combined score of 180.75 points from her two jumps, narrowly surpassing defending Olympic champion Eileen Gu, who took silver with a score of 179 points. Italy’s Flora Tabanelli captured the bronze medal, marking a remarkable comeback just four months after recovering from an ACL tear.

Oldham’s victory is her second medal at these Winter Games; she previously earned a bronze in slopestyle just a week earlier. This win highlights her impressive performance throughout the competition. In contrast, Gu, who competes for China despite being born in the United States, has now amassed five Olympic medals across two appearances. At the age of 18 during the Beijing 2022 Olympics, Gu made history by becoming the first freestyle skier to win three medals in a single edition of the Games.

Having not participated in a big air contest since her triumph in Beijing, Gu swiftly adapted to the event’s demands, demonstrating skills that translate well from slopestyle. Oldham secured her gold medal with her first two jumps, allowing her a celebratory third jump, which she fell on but did not affect her overall score.

The final round featured 10 competitors, reduced from an initial field of 12 due to injuries sustained by Swiss skiers Mathilde Gremaud and Anouk Andraska in practice. Gremaud, who recently defended her slopestyle gold, suffered a hip injury that required her to be carried off the course, while Andraska hurt her wrist.

In the big air format, competitors are allowed three jumps, with two scores contributing to their final score based on the difficulty and execution of their landings. The event faced a delay exceeding an hour due to a snowstorm, but the athletes remained focused on their performances.

As the Winter Games continue, Oldham and Gu’s achievements exemplify the high level of competition and resilience present. Gu is set to compete again on Saturday, February 17, in an attempt to defend her halfpipe gold medal, aiming for a sixth Olympic medal.