Eileen Gu Posts Heartbreaking Photo After Gold Medal Win

The Olympic champion shared a touching tribute to her late grandmother after her victory.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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Eileen Gu, the 22-year-old American-born freestyle skier who competes for China, won Olympic gold in the women's freeski halfpipe on Sunday. However, her excitement was quickly dampened when she learned that her maternal grandmother, Feng Guozhen, had passed away. Gu took to social media to share a heartbreaking photo and message expressing her love and gratitude for her grandmother, who had inspired her to be brave.

Why it matters

Gu's decision to compete for China rather than her native United States has been highly controversial, drawing fierce criticism. This personal tragedy comes amid her remarkable athletic success, highlighting the complex emotions and challenges she has faced as a global athlete with divided national loyalties.

The details

Gu claimed the Olympic gold medal in the women's freeski halfpipe with a score of 94.75 on her final run. However, immediately after her victory, she was informed of her grandmother's passing. Gu later posted a photo on Instagram with the caption "Because I promised her I would be brave like her. I love you, grandma" in both English and Chinese.

  • Gu won the Olympic gold medal in the women's freeski halfpipe on Sunday, February 22, 2026.
  • Gu learned of her grandmother's death immediately after her gold medal win.

The players

Eileen Gu

A 22-year-old freestyle skier who was born in the United States but competes for China. She has won three medals, including two golds, at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Feng Guozhen

Eileen Gu's maternal grandmother, who passed away shortly after Gu's gold medal win.

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What they’re saying

“Because I promised her I would be brave like her. I love you, grandma”

— Eileen Gu (Instagram)

“This woman commanded life, and she grabbed it by the reins, and she made it into what she wanted it to be, and she inspired me so much.”

— Eileen Gu (Press conference)

The takeaway

Eileen Gu's emotional tribute to her late grandmother underscores the personal sacrifices and challenges she has faced as a high-profile athlete representing China, despite her American upbringing. Her success has been overshadowed by the controversy surrounding her decision, and this tragic loss serves as a poignant reminder of the human side of elite sports.