Elena Gaskell has wrapped up her final event at the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milano Cortina with three massive flights through the air.
And while she didn’t qualify for the Freestyle Skiing Women’s Freeski Big Air final, she’s made her hometown of Vernon proud.
Gaskel competed in the qualifying round of the Big Air event Saturday, Feb. 14. She posted a score of 64.75 in her first run, a stellar 82.00 in her second run and finished with a 40.00 in her third run.
Her total score of 122.00 put Gaskell in 20th place in the qualifier. Only the top 12 advance to the final.
While she’ll be disappointed with her own result, Gaskell will be able to cheer on two teammates in the final, including one who goes into the medal round at the top of the pecking order.
Canadians Megan Oldham and Naomi Urness both qualified for the Big Air final. Oldham, of Parry Sound, Ont., had the top score in the qualifying round (171.75), while Quebec’s Urness placed seventh in the qualifying round with a score of 161.25.
This was Gaskell’s second event at these Olympics. She also competed in the Freeski Slopestyle competition and while she didn’t qualify for the finals in that event, she was able to cheer on her friend Oldham, who won a bronze medal.
The Freestyle Skiing Women’s Freeski Big Air final is slated for Monday, Feb. 16 at 10:30 a.m.