Eileen Gu '26 Wins Olympic Silver with More Events to Come

Stanford athlete makes history as first to medal in 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Eileen Gu '26, an American-born freeskier competing for China, won a silver medal in slopestyle at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics. This marks Gu's second Olympic silver medal, after her breakthrough performance at the 2022 Beijing Games, making her the first Stanford athlete to earn a medal at the 2026 Olympics.

Why it matters

Gu's success on the global Olympic stage has brought increased attention to Stanford's athletic program and the growing popularity of freestyle skiing. As a dual-nationality athlete, Gu's story also highlights the nuances of international sports competition and the ability of athletes to represent their cultural heritage.

The details

Gu finished the slopestyle event with a silver medal, continuing her streak of podium finishes at major international competitions. Her performance showcased her technical skills and creative style, which have made her one of the most dominant freeskiers in the world.

  • Gu won her first Olympic silver medal at the 2022 Beijing Games.
  • The 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics are Gu's second Olympic appearance.

The players

Eileen Gu

A 20-year-old American-born freeskier competing for China, Gu is the first Stanford athlete to medal at the 2026 Olympics.

Stanford University

The prestigious California university that Gu attends, which has seen increased attention and pride from her Olympic success.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“You can really conceptualize something before it even becomes possible. I'm asking my body to do something it has never done before, in the moment of highest pressure when everything is on the line. That's what made me so proud to perform yesterday.”

— Eileen Gu (Stanford Daily)

What’s next

Gu is expected to compete in several more events at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics, where she will look to add to her medal count.

The takeaway

Eileen Gu's continued success at the Olympics has cemented her status as one of the top freeskiers in the world and brought immense pride to Stanford University and her fans around the globe.