Chinese freeski athlete Li Xinpeng claimed his maiden FIS Freestyle Aerials World Cup victory on Monday, January 12, delivering a flawless performance at Lake Placid, New York. The 137.19-point final run secured China's first gold in the 2026 World Cup season ahead of the upcoming Winter Olympics.
Four Chinese skiers dominated the finals, with Li Tianma, Wang Xindi, and Sun Jiaxu joining Li Xinpeng in advancing to the second round. Heavy snowfall during the decisive runs tested athletes' precision, but Li Xinpeng's technical mastery of high-difficulty aerial maneuvers proved unbeatable.
Wang Xindi secured silver with 112.00 points despite an imperfect landing, while Canada's Miha Fontaine took bronze. The result underscores China's growing strength in winter sports as global attention turns to Olympic preparations.
This victory positions Li as a strong contender for Olympic gold, with analysts noting his consistency in recent competitions. The Chinese team's performance highlights strategic investments in winter sports training programs across the Chinese mainland.
