Eileen Gu etched her name further into the annals of winter sports history by clinching a gold medal in the women’s ski halfpipe final at the 2026 Winter Olympics held in Livigno, Italy. Gu’s remarkable achievement on Sunday adds to her already impressive collection, bringing her total Olympic gold count to three and marking her as the most decorated athlete in freeskiing. Over the course of her young Olympic journey, she has maintained an extraordinary perfect record of six medals—three golds and three silvers—across six events.
The California-born athlete, representing China due to her mother’s heritage, has become a significant voice in the world of sports, intertwining her achievements with discussions on geopolitics and inclusion. Her journey throughout the games included a challenging schedule that featured her competing in halfpipe, slopestyle, and big air events, often leaving her exhausted but resolute.
After a rocky start in the halfpipe final—where she initially lost balance on her first jump—Gu showcased her resilience by performing flawlessly on her subsequent runs. She secured the highest scores among competitors, finishing with a 94 and a 94.75, solidifying her dominance in the event. “I tried for gold,” said her teammate Li Fanghui, who earned silver, emphasizing the high stakes of the competition.
Gu’s exquisite performances not only highlighted her technical skills, such as executing two 900-degree spins in opposite directions, but also reflected her commitment to elevating the profile of freestyle skiing, particularly in China. Since her initial Olympic debut at the Beijing Games, the sport’s visibility has soared, with over 300 million people reportedly skiing in China.
Despite the scrutiny surrounding her choices, Gu remains steadfast in her message of inclusivity and positivity within her sport. Reflecting on her achievements, she expressed pride in her standing as the most decorated free skier in history.
“With six medals, I’ve made my mark in freeskiing,” Gu stated. “I have the most gold medals of any free skier ever, male or female, and that is something I’m so, so proud of.”
As this year’s Winter Olympics draw to a close, Eileen Gu not only leaves behind an impressive medal haul but also a legacy that inspires many, proving that ambition and dedication can yield incredible results against all odds.