LIVIGNO, Italy (AP) — Eileen Gu’s performance at the recent Winter Games was nothing short of remarkable, even more so because she stumbled on her first trick in her opening run. Yet, she went on to defend her Olympic ski halfpipe title, adding another gold to her collection. That’s six medals now in six events throughout her Olympic journey.
At just 22, Gu is already a legend in freestyle skiing. Competing for China, the country her mother hails from, she’s racked up four golds and two silvers over the Olympic competitions since making her debut in Beijing. “I love breaking records because it emphasizes skill over gender,” she said, showcasing her pride in being the most decorated freeskier, male or female. “It highlights mental toughness and the ability to perform under pressure.”
Her winning score of 94.75 came after a flawless second run. With a cheering crowd behind her, including many fans bearing flags and posters, she ended her competition with excitement and joy.
Mischa Thomas from New Zealand exclaimed, “She’s unreal! It’s wild how good she is.” Gu managed to shine even after a recent snowstorm had rescheduled the event, and the sunny skies certainly favored her as she prepared for her final performance.
Her teammate Li Fanghui clinched the silver medal, while Zoe Atkin from Britain took home the bronze. Atkin, who soared an impressive 18 feet above the halfpipe during the contest, reflected on Gu’s impact on the sport: “She pushes everyone to be better. The competition is fierce, and it’s thrilling to witness.”
The 23-year-old Atkin knows the pressures firsthand, having previously finished ninth at the Beijing Games, but has since secured three World Cup victories. This competition highlighted a growing trend in women’s skiing, with athletes continually raising the bar.
Canada’s Amy Fraser finished just behind Gu in fourth place and praised her talent while assuring that “she’s not unbeatable.” It’s this level of empowerment and skill development that keeps competitive skiing dynamic and exciting for fans and athletes alike.
The event not only showcased athletic excellence but also drew interest from social media, where fans celebrated female athletes breaking boundaries. As Gu stated, “Leading the way in the sport is an honor. I’m proud of what the future holds for all of us.”
In the wake of the competition, observers are taking note of how a new generation of freestylers is shaping the landscape. The collective energy and spirit among athletes mark a pivotal moment for women’s sports, echoing changes seen in other arenas. As the sport evolves, so does the excitement surrounding it.
To learn more about the Winter Olympics, visit the official AP Winter Olympics hub at AP Winter Olympics.
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Eileen Gu, Olympic games, Zoe Atkin, 2026 Milan Cortina Olympic Games, Snowboarding, Winter Olympic games, 2026 Winter Olympics, Sports, Mischa Thomas, Amy Fraser, Canada
