Eileen Gu, the talented freestyle skier, has been making headlines at the 2026 Winter Olympics with her impressive performances. After securing two silver medals in the slopestyle and big air events, Gu is now eyeing her third medal at the Milano Cortina Games. She recently finished in fifth place in the qualifying round of the halfpipe with a score of 86.50, earning her a spot in the final round.
With five Olympic medals to her name, Eileen Gu has become the most decorated female Olympic freestyle skier in history. Her incredible achievements include three gold medals at the Beijing Games in slopestyle, halfpipe, and big air.
Fans eagerly await Gu’s final run at the 2026 Winter Olympics, which will take place on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at the Livigno Snow Park in Valtellina. The schedule for the ultimate round includes three runs starting at 7:30 p.m. local time in Milan-Cortina. Viewers can catch all the action live on NBC or Peacock.
However, Gu’s decision to compete for China instead of the USA has sparked controversy. Vice President JD Vance expressed his disappointment, stating that athletes who have benefited from American resources should represent the country in international competitions. This led to criticism from fans, with some even suggesting that Gu should leave the country.
In response to the backlash, Eileen Gu defended her choice, stating that many athletes compete for different countries and that people’s opinions are influenced by their views on China. She also addressed the issue of receiving payment from Beijing’s Municipal Sports Bureau for training, emphasizing that people are entitled to their opinions.
As Eileen Gu prepares for her final run at the 2026 Winter Olympics, the debate surrounding her loyalty and motives continues to divide fans and critics alike. Despite the controversy, Gu remains focused on her performance and is determined to leave her mark on the sport of freestyle skiing.
