Korean snowboarder Yoo Seung-eun triumphed in the women's slopestyle qualifiers at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, securing her spot in the finals with a score of 76.80, which placed her third overall. Competing in Livigno, Italy, Yoo's performance came on the heels of winning a bronze medal in the Big Air event just days prior. Despite entering the slopestyle qualifiers with relatively low expectations, aiming simply to ensure a safe finish, Yoo turned heads by landing all her planned tricks successfully—an unexpected achievement for an athlete whose participation in the Olympics had been uncertain.

In the first qualifying heat, Yoo competed as the 24th athlete among 30, with more highly-ranked competitors performing first. However, she defied the odds by placing in the top three from the outset. Her impressive score of 76.80 points not only solidified her ranking but also showcased her resilience and skill in a high-pressure environment. After celebrating her performance with a raised fist, she approached the second heat with confidence, despite a less impressive finish of 18.60 points due to minor mistakes as she chose not to push herself further.

Yoo is slated to compete in the finals on the evening of the 17th, where she will aim for her second medal in the competition. The excitement surrounding her achievements reflects not only her personal dedication but also the growing recognition and support for winter sports in South Korea as they advance on the international stage.