On Sunday, Eileen Gu, the luminous Chinese freestyle skiing prodigy, added a third Olympic gold medal to her illustrious career during the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Games. Triumphing in the women’s halfpipe final, Gu’s spectacular performance marked not only her inaugural gold of these Games but also further solidified her status as a dominant figure in the sport.
At merely 22 years old, Gu has impressively ascended the Olympic podium in every event she has entered, amassing a remarkable tally of three gold and three silver medals. Her recent victory in the halfpipe event was a successful defense of the title she originally secured at the 2022 Winter Olympics, underscoring her consistent excellence and unyielding competitive spirit.
Unprecedented Achievements in Freestyle Skiing
Emphasizing the transcendence of her accomplishments beyond gender distinctions, Gu proclaimed, “The reason I love the records so much is that it’s not about man or woman. I’m the most decorated freeskier of all time, male or female.” This statement reflects not only her profound pride but also the historical weight of her achievements within the global freestyle skiing community.
Her journey, captured vividly by Fu Tian for China News Service/VCG and disseminated via Getty Images, illustrates a rare blend of youthful prowess and seasoned mastery. Each of her Olympic outings has reinforced her reputation, making her a beacon of inspiration for aspiring athletes worldwide.