Zoe Atkins, reigning world champion in the freeski halfpipe representing Team GB, arrives in strong form — punters may shorten odds on a podium finish but should factor Olympic nerves; consider each-way or smaller stakes on a medal rather than backing outright gold.
Zoe Atkins poised for Olympic freeski halfpipe with Solihull family pride
Zoe Atkins, born in Boston, Massachusetts, is competing for Team GB in the women's freeski halfpipe as the reigning world champion. Her father, Mike Atkins, who grew up in Solihull, has expressed pride and cautious optimism ahead of her Olympic heat at about 18:30 GMT on Thursday.
Family roots and support from Solihull
Mike Atkins recalled family time spent in the West Midlands and described Solihull as “the centre of family activity” when relatives were alive. He stressed a measured outlook: “She is nervous because this is a very big event, but we've always kept our expectations modest. We say, ‘Just ski well; do try and put down a run you can be proud of.’”
Form and recent results
Atkins has produced some of her best skiing over the past 12 months, delivering strong results on the World Cup circuit and securing gold at the world championships in Switzerland. Her recent form marks her as one of the leading contenders in the Olympic field, though Olympic pressure can affect even the most consistent athletes.
Betting outlook and what punters should consider
Given Atkins’s world-champion status and recent peak form, markets are likely to favour her for a podium finish, shortening her each-way odds. Punters should weigh the likelihood of a medal over an outright gold and consider each-way bets or smaller stakes to manage the risk posed by Olympic nerves.
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Live markets on run-by-run scoring could present value if she posts a strong first run.
Birmingham Live
