LIVIGNO, Italy — Eileen Gu showcased her incredible talent once again by defending her Olympic ski halfpipe title on Sunday, earning her sixth medal in as many events throughout her Winter Games career. In a surprising turn, she lost her balance on her first trick during her opening run, momentarily raising questions about her seemingly superhuman prowess. However, Gu quickly rebounded by delivering a clean, technically precise second run, ultimately securing victory with an impressive score of 94.75.
The 22-year-old, who was born in the United States but competes for China, has now firmly established herself as the most decorated freeskier in Olympic history, complementing her gold medal collection from the Beijing Games with two silver medals from the Milan Cortina Games. “The reason I love the records so much is that it’s not about man or woman,” Gu stated. “I’m the most decorated freeskier of all time, male or female. … It’s a testament to competitive strength, mental strength, and the ability to perform under pressure.”
Gu’s standout performance was marked by her final run where, after landing her last trick, she raised her ski poles in celebration. New Zealand’s Mischa Thomas praised her talent, noting, “She is unreal. It’s pretty crazy how good she is.” Li Fanghui, Gu’s teammate, secured the silver medal, while Britain’s Zoe Atkin claimed third place.
The halfpipe event took place under perfect sunny conditions after being rescheduled due to a recent snowstorm, allowing Gu to shine as the competition concluded at the Livigno Snow Park. A vibrant crowd of fans was present, waving flags and holding up pictures in support of Gu. Reflecting on her journey, Gu expressed her pride in being a pioneer of the sport, stating, “Being able to lead the way and pioneer the sport is something I never imagined I’d be able to do.”
Atkin, who previously finished ninth at the Beijing Games, delivered a remarkable performance throughout the contest, soaring over 5.4 meters (18 feet) high during her runs. A strong competitor, she has established herself with three victories in World Cup events over the last four years. “We have an amazing group of skiers,” Atkin remarked, acknowledging the challenging competition presented by Gu and others.
The competition also saw American skier Svea Irving recover from difficulties to compete and other athletes adapting to the challenges of the event.
Overall, Gu’s win solidifies her status as a leading figure in freestyle skiing, inspiring many and raising the sport’s profile in the competitive landscape. As she continues to break records, Gu’s remarkable achievements promise to resonate with both current and future generations of skiers.