Five-time Olympian Cai reaches halfpipe final, Liu injured in qualifying crash

LIVIGNO, Italy -- Chinese veteran snowboarder Cai Xuetong, competing in her fifth Winter Olympics, secured a place in the women's halfpipe final with a second-run score of 83.00 points on Wednesday, while teammate Liu Jiayu was taken to the hospital after a heavy crash during qualification.

Defending champion Chloe Kim of the United States topped the qualifying standings with 90.25 points, the only score above 90 on the day. Cai finished fifth to lock in her finals berth. Wu Shaotong, in her second Olympics, qualified in 12th place with 75.25 points in the second run. The final is scheduled for Thursday at Livigno Snow Park.

Cai, 32, said reaching the final marked the completion of a key objective after a demanding season. "The preparation process has been tough, so being able to stand here and reach the final means I've achieved my interim goal," said Cai.

She described her fifth Olympic appearance as a chance to compete in a relaxed mood.

"The level of women's halfpipe has risen so much that I can't think about anything else. I have to push hard to earn a chance. I want to enjoy the Olympic stage and be the best of myself."

Cai said the Olympics have always held special meaning for her.

"The Olympics are different. Since I was a child, my dream has been to participate in the Olympics and achieve good results," she said. "To have five such experiences is something I'm really proud of."

Reflecting on her goals in Livigno, Cai said, "I want to give it my all. If I put everything out there, I'll have no regrets," she said. "Of course I have expectations, but first and foremost I want to enjoy snowboarding."

"The past four years have been a different kind of career for me as an athlete," she said. "Before, I was always with the team. But after Beijing 2022, I wanted to experience something different. I have better understanding about snowboarding."

Liu, 33, also competing in her fifth Olympics, crashed heavily on her final takeoff during the second run. She lost control and struck the pipe, remaining motionless for several minutes. Medical staff placed her on a rescue sled and transported her to the on-site medical center.

Initial assessments indicated no cervical spine injury, according to medical staff, though the injury was believed to be head-related. Liu's best Olympic result was a silver medal at the PyeongChang 2018 Games.

After Liu's crash, Chinese athletes who had completed their runs gathered in an embrace. Several competitors from other teams came over to hug them and express wishes for Liu's safety.