LIVIGNO, Italy (AP) — Eileen Gu, a star in freestyle skiing, made a splash in the big air contest after four years away from the event. Just days before the competition, she learned a new trick but faced a scare during practice when she fell and damaged her helmet.
Despite the challenges, finishing second, only 1.75 points behind Canada’s Megan Oldham, felt like a win. “Being a five-time Olympic medalist sounds great,” Gu said, reflecting on her success across two Winter Olympics. She’s claimed two silver medals this time, adding to her impressive overall total.
Megan Oldham, 24, has found her footing in freestyle skiing after switching from gymnastics and figure skating years ago. Inspired by her brother Bruce, she embraced the thrill of skiing. “It taught me a lot about awareness and spinning,” she shared.
Big air skiing isn’t just a sport; it’s a test of courage. Competitors launch off a 165-foot scaffold, pushing their limits with every jump. Oldham admitted, “It’s brutal. Learning new tricks can lead to hard falls.” She faced her own battles, recovering from a concussion just before the Olympics.
Bronze medalist Flora Tabanelli added to Italy’s medal count, triumphing just months after a torn ACL. Competing in a brace, she said, “Three months ago, I thought I wouldn’t make it here.”
Eileen Gu stood out during the event, receiving cheers from friends who came to watch her. Though she hadn’t focused on big air since her previous Olympics, she surprised herself by making the medal race. “If you’d asked me a few days ago, I wouldn’t have thought I’d be in the finals,” she said.
While Gu prepared for the halfpipe, Oldham had a reason to celebrate: it was her brother Cody’s 18th birthday. Oldham’s victory was a sweet surprise.
Gu, however, was back to business. She hasn’t skied halfpipe since December and had limited training time before her qualifying round. With a record of 20 World Cup wins, halfpipe might be her strongest event. “Great athletes have short memories. I focus on the next challenge,” she noted.
Gu’s perspective on her performance is admirable. After achieving five Olympic medals—more than any woman in freestyle skiing history—she isn’t dwelling on her results. “Winning medals is life-changing. I am pushing the sport forward, which is what matters most.”
This focus and commitment to improvement set an inspiring tone for future athletes in the sport. As the Winter Olympics continue, both Gu and Oldham exemplify resilience and passion, turning their experiences into powerful messages for fans and competitors alike.
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