Celebrating a legend as Qi Guangpu brings an extraordinary career to a close

As the curtain falls on the 2025/26 season, the freestyle skiing world reflects on the remarkable career of Qi Guangpu, who brought his competitive journey to a close following his final appearance at the Olympic Winter Games.

For two decades, Qi stood at the forefront of aerials skiing, building a legacy that has earned him widespread recognition as one of the greatest athletes the discipline has ever seen.

Making his FIS Freestyle World Cup debut in 2006, Qi went on to compete in 87 World Cup events, collecting an outstanding 23 victories and 46 podium finishes. His consistency and dominance place him among the top three men in history for World Cup aerials wins, a testament to both his longevity and elite performance level across multiple generations of the sport.

Over the course of his career, Qi captured four FIS World Cup Crystal Globes, underlining his status as one of the most successful aerialists of his era. On the World Championships stage, he made seven appearances and claimed four medals, including two golds, consistently delivering when it mattered most.

Qi’s Olympic résumé is equally exceptional. Representing China at five Winter Olympic Games, he achieved the pinnacle of his career on home snow at Beijing 2022, where he soared to gold in men’s aerials. He also added a silver medal in the mixed team event, further cementing his place among the sport’s all-time greats.

His final competitive appearance came at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games, marking the end of a career that helped define modern aerials skiing. Across those years, Qi became synonymous with technical excellence, composure under pressure, and the ability to deliver on the biggest stages.

Often referred to as the “GOAT” of aerial skiing, Qi Guangpu’s influence extends far beyond his results. His commitment, consistency, and leadership have inspired a generation of athletes and elevated the level of the sport worldwide.

As the season concludes, the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) and the global freestyle community celebrate not just the achievements, but the legacy of a true icon.

Thank you, Qi Guangpu, for 20 unforgettable years.