Italian Livigno Snow Park buzzed with excitement as 18-year-old Korean aerials skier Yousung Eun delivered a stunning performance, jumping 87.75 meters in the first qualification round of the women’s event for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics, securing second place.
Standout First Jump
Yousung Eun, competing ninth out of 12 athletes, executed a flawless backslide triple cork 1440. The jump reached a height of 5.5 meters and a distance of 29.2 meters, with 2.3 seconds of impressive air time. Japan’s Kokomo Murase led with 89.75 meters, but Eun’s score positioned her strongly for a medal contention.
Strong Preliminary Results
The day before, in the preliminary round among 29 competitors, Eun totaled 166.50 points to finish fourth and advance to the main event. Her first prelim jump, a backslide double cork 1080 executed cleanly as the 17th starter, earned 80.75 points and lifted her to sixth. In the second jump, a frontside double cork 1080 scored 77.75 points despite being the lowest in that round, showcasing her consistency.
Building on this, Eun matched her first jump direction in the third attempt, achieving 88.75 meters for seventh place overall in prelims.
Historic Milestone for Korea
Eun marks the first Korean woman to compete in Olympic aerials. No Korean athletes qualified for Beijing 2022, and Pyeongchang featured a male entrant who fell short of the final. Among men, results have been limited at major events.
Aerials Discipline Explained
Aerials involve launching off a 30-meter-plus slope for massive jumps, judged on takeoff, form, height, and landing. Performing flips, especially frees, generates crucial height, while precise technique yields top scores even without perfect landings.
Proven Pedigree
A 2023 FIS Junior World Championships gold medalist in women’s aerials, Eun claimed Korea’s first World Cup aerials medal with silver at Steamboat Springs, Colorado, in December 2023. Overcoming injuries like ankle sprains and finger fractures, the Seongbuk High School student seized her Olympic debut opportunity with exceptional skill.
