Atkin Challenges Gu for Olympic Freestyle Title

Zoe Atkin, a British freestyle skier, is preparing to compete in the Olympic freeski halfpipe final against defending champion Eileen Gu. Atkin, the reigning world champion and top qualifier, has overcome significant challenges, including a deep-seated fear of the sport.

Early Fears and Challenges

Atkin has long struggled with intense fear, stemming from childhood and amplified by the inherent dangers of competitive skiing. She described feeling intimidated by the halfpipe and initially believing something was wrong with her. This fear manifested in various ways, including anxiety around performing new tricks and a recurring mental block that prevented her from consistently landing a complex maneuver, the alley oop flat five. After repeatedly failing to land the trick, she took a break, impacting her performance at the 2025 X Games.

Reframing Fear Through Psychology and Study

Seeking help, Atkin began working with sports psychologists in 2021. She shifted her approach, learning to embrace the sensation of fear rather than attempting to eliminate it. Studying cognitive science at Stanford University, she gained a deeper understanding of the mind and how beliefs shape reality. Inspired by a class on stress, she reframed her anxiety as a sign of alertness and care, utilizing meditation and mindfulness techniques to manage her thoughts.

Overcoming a Mental Block and Achieving Success

Atkin dedicated time to practicing the alley oop flat five, eventually landing it and regaining confidence. She went on to win the 2025 World Championships, demonstrating her ability to overcome the mental block that had previously hindered her. This breakthrough has instilled a sense of agency and strengthened her mental fortitude.

Preparing for the Olympics

Atkin feels more prepared and confident heading into the Winter Olympics than she did during her Olympic debut in Beijing four years ago. She has focused on building mental strength and establishing herself in her sport. She acknowledges that fear will still be present but is determined to compete regardless.