Freestyle skier Riley Jacobs of Oak Creek made her Olympic debut on February 19, 2026, at the Milan Cortina Games. Competing in the women’s halfpipe event in Livigno, Italy, Jacobs faced stiff competition but failed to advance beyond the qualification rounds.
Jacobs, aged 22, previously showcased her talent at the 2023 World Championships, where she secured a ninth-place finish and achieved nine top-10 placements on the World Cup circuit. In 2024, she made her X-Games debut, finishing sixth. Her journey to the Olympics included overcoming significant adversity after tearing her ACL in November 2024, which sidelined her for ten months.
A local watch party at Franciosi Brothers Pizza and Meatballs in Oak Creek drew approximately 50 supporters, who gathered to cheer for their hometown hero during her qualification runs. The atmosphere was electric, filled with posters and signs celebrating Jacobs’ achievements.
Freestyle halfpipe competitors get two runs, with the highest score counting toward advancement. Jacobs was the fifth skier to take her first run, wearing bib No. 10. She started strong with two solid tricks but struggled with balance mid-trick, resulting in a score of 56.60 points. This placed her in 16th position at the end of the first round.
In her second run, Jacobs hoped to improve her score. However, as she dropped into the halfpipe once again, the pressure mounted. Despite her efforts, she bobbled a few tricks and was unable to gain the speed necessary to surpass her initial score. Consequently, she did not qualify for the medal round.
The course conditions raised concerns among competitors, with early snowfall impacting performance levels. Ideal conditions for the halfpipe resemble polished marble, but the weather forced the cancellation of the men’s qualification round earlier in the day.
Following Jacobs’ second run, Canadian skier Cassie Sharp suffered a significant fall and required medical assistance. Despite this, Sharp advanced to the finals with an impressive first-round score of 88.25 points, ultimately placing third. Her ability to compete in the finals remains uncertain due to her injury.
Two American athletes successfully advanced to the final round: Svea Irving and Kate Gray, who finished in eighth and twelfth places, respectively. The day’s standout performance came from British medal favorite Zoe Atkin, who secured the highest score of 91.50 points, placing first in the qualifications. Chinese competitor Eileen Gu also advanced, recovering from a first-round fall to finish fifth with a score of 86.50.
The freeski halfpipe final is scheduled to take place at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, promising to deliver thrilling performances from the world’s top athletes.
