Eileen Gu Defends Olympic Halfpipe Title Amid Family Tragedy

The Chinese-American freestyle skier became the most decorated Olympian in the sport's history, just hours after learning of her grandmother's passing.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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Eileen Gu, the 22-year-old Chinese-American freestyle skier, successfully defended her Olympic halfpipe title at the Milan Cortina Games, cementing her status as the most decorated freestyle skier in history. However, the celebratory moment was quickly overshadowed by the news of her grandmother's passing, which Gu shared through tears at the post-competition press conference.

Why it matters

Gu's decision to compete for China instead of the United States, the country where she was born and raised, has made her a polarizing figure, with some questioning her loyalty. Her Olympic success, despite the personal tragedy, further solidifies her status as a global sports icon and a symbol of the complex identity issues faced by many Asian Americans.

The details

Gu finished the halfpipe competition with a gold medal, bringing her career total to six medals across two Olympic Games. Despite a fall during her opening run, she recovered to post the two highest scores of the final, with a best score of 94.75 that placed her comfortably ahead of her Chinese teammate Li Fanghui, who took silver, and Great Britain's Zoe Atkin, who claimed the bronze.

  • Gu arrived late to her post-victory press conference on Sunday, February 22, 2026.
  • Gu learned of her grandmother's passing just before the press conference.

The players

Eileen Gu

A 22-year-old Chinese-American freestyle skier who competes for China. She is now the most decorated freestyle skier in Olympic history, with six medals across two Games.

Feng Guozhen

Eileen Gu's grandmother, who was a fundamental influence on her life and career.

Li Fanghui

Eileen Gu's Chinese teammate, who won the silver medal in the halfpipe competition.

Zoe Atkin

A British freestyle skier who won the bronze medal in the halfpipe competition.

JD Vance

The US Vice President who has questioned Eileen Gu's decision to compete for China instead of the United States.

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What they’re saying

“The reason I was late is that I just found out that my grandma passed away. She was a really big part of my life growing up and someone I looked up to immensely.”

— Eileen Gu (Resonate)

“I didn't promise her that I was going to win but I did promise her that I was going to be brave like she has been brave and that's why I keep referring to this theme of betting on myself and being brave and taking risks.”

— Eileen Gu (Resonate)

“I walk away as the most decorated free skier of all time, male or female, and the most gold medals of any free skier ever, male or female. And that is something that I'm so, so proud of.”

— Eileen Gu (Resonate)

“I encourage those people to use that energy and direct it toward something that makes the world better in their own way.”

— Eileen Gu (Resonate)

What’s next

Gu intends to return to her studies at Stanford University after the Milan Cortina Games, though her sporting future remains bright.

The takeaway

Eileen Gu's historic Olympic achievement, despite the personal tragedy of losing her grandmother, highlights the complex identity issues faced by many Asian Americans and the intense scrutiny they often face, even at the pinnacle of their athletic careers.