Zoe Atkin’s Olympic Bronze Caps Team GB’s Historic Winter Run
History has been matched on the slopes of Italy and Zoe Atkin has just carved her name into it.
The 23-year-old freestyle skier delivered a stunning bronze medal performance in the women’s halfpipe, securing Team GB’s fifth medal of these Winter Olympics and equaling Britain’s best-ever Winter Games tally. But this time, it feels even bigger.
Competing in Livigno, Atkin entered the final in top form after qualifying first. She came in confident, fresh off major international success and carrying the hopes of a nation that had already witnessed something special at these Games. Halfpipe skiing is relentless. Athletes launch themselves high above a U-shaped wall of hard-packed snow, twisting and flipping with split-second precision. One mistake can end everything.
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Atkin started strong. She showed composure under pressure. But the final was fierce. China’s superstar Eileen Gu , already one of the sport’s most decorated names, responded with a breathtaking run that pushed the standard even higher. Her teammate Li Fanghui also delivered under pressure. Atkin fought back on her final run, increasing her score and locking in bronze.
And that bronze means more than just a podium finish.
It brings Team GB’s medal count to five at the Winter Olympics 2026 , matching the nation’s previous best totals from 2014 and 2018. But here’s the difference. This time, Britain has secured three gold medals, the most ever at a single Winter Games. From mixed team snowboarding to skeleton dominance, this has been a breakthrough moment for British winter sport.
Atkin’s story also carries a unique identity. Born in the United States with dual citizenship, she competes for Great Britain in honor of her father’s heritage. She narrowly missed the podium in Beijing four years ago. Now she stands on it. That journey speaks to resilience, growth and belief.
Meanwhile, the closing ceremony approaches in Verona and the final medal table is taking shape. Norway leads the gold count, the United States follows and the host nation Italy has delivered on home snow. But for Britain, this Games will be remembered as a turning point.
Zoe Atkin’s bronze is not just a medal. It is proof that British athletes can compete and win, at the very highest level of winter sport.
Stay with us for continuing coverage from the Winter Olympics and in-depth analysis of what this historic performance means for the future of Team GB.
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