Eileen Gu, the American-born freestyle skier representing China, has made headlines following her emotional victory at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina. Just moments after clinching her second gold medal in the women’s freeski halfpipe, Gu disclosed that she had received the heartbreaking news of her grandmother’s passing.
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In a poignant press conference, the 22-year-old athlete spoke about the profound impact her grandmother, Guozhen Feng, had on her life. With tears in her eyes, Gu reflected on her grandmother’s strength and resilience, stating, “She was a really big part of my life growing up, and someone I looked up to immensely. She was a fighter.” The skier went on to describe her grandmother as a person who lived life with tenacity and passion. “This woman commanded life, and she grabbed it by the reins,” Gu shared, emphasising how her grandmother inspired her.
Understanding that her grandmother had been gravely ill prior to her Olympic journey, Gu had vowed to channel that bravery in her performances. “I didn’t promise her that I was going to win, but I did promise her that I was going to be brave, like she has been brave,” she explained. This promise seemed to resonate as Gu took to the slopes, embodying the courage her grandmother demonstrated throughout her life.
Gu’s performance at Livigno Snow Park was nothing short of extraordinary. Not only did she defend her title, but she also secured her sixth Olympic medal, establishing her as the most successful freeskier in Olympic history — a remarkable achievement that applies to both male and female competitors. “I gave my all every single day that I’ve been here, and that’s no joke,” Gu stated proudly after her victory.
Throughout her competitive career, Gu has consistently highlighted her passion for breaking records. “I’m the most decorated freeskier of all time, male or female,” she declared. “That’s a testament to competitive strength, it’s mental strength. It’s being able to perform under pressure, it has nothing to do with your gender.” Her commitment to excellence has not only set records but has also paved the way for future athletes in the sport.
The athlete expressed immense pride in her ability to lead and innovate within freestyle skiing. While she acknowledged that she had never anticipated achieving such a remarkable status, she feels honoured by the responsibility that comes with it. Gu’s successes are not merely personal victories but also milestones that inspire a new generation of skiers.
Rich in both triumph and adversity, Gu’s Olympic journey has been profoundly shaped by the support of her family, particularly her grandmother. As she continues to forge her path in the sports world, Gu will undoubtedly carry forward the lessons learnt from her beloved grandmother. “I’m really happy that I was able to uphold that promise and hopefully do her proud,” she said, reflecting on the challenging emotions she faced after her victory.
Despite the joy of her achievements, Gu’s recent loss adds a somber tone to her triumphs. The culmination of competing at a high level while grappling with personal grief underlines the complexity of high-stakes sports. Yet, Gu remains resilient, honouring her grandmother’s spirit as she continues to excel on the world stage.
As the Olympic Games continue, Eileen Gu’s journey serves as a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of sport, family, and the profound impact of those who inspire us on our paths.