Eileen Gu Discloses Seizures and Mental Health Crisis Behind 2026 Olympic Medals

Chinese freestyle skier opens up about post-Beijing struggles, including a 2025 concussion with seizures, before winning two silvers and halfpipe gold at Milano Cortina

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Eileen Gu, the Chinese freestyle skier, revealed the mental health issues and severe injury she faced after the 2022 Beijing Olympics, including a concussion in 2025 that led to seizures. Despite these challenges, Gu came back to win two silver medals in slopestyle and big air, as well as defending her title in the halfpipe event at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics.

Why it matters

Gu's candid admission about her mental health struggles and physical injuries provides a rare glimpse into the challenges elite athletes face, even after achieving tremendous success. Her openness could inspire others to be more vulnerable and seek support, while also highlighting the need for better mental health resources and support for top-level competitors.

The details

In an interview after winning gold in the women's halfpipe event, Gu explained that she had dealt with severe mental health issues and a concussion with seizures in the year leading up to the 2026 Olympics. She said, "I really struggled. I had a lot of mental health issues after the last Olympics. I dealt with severe injury a year ago. I had a concussion in January of 2025. I had seizures after, and people were worried if I was going to wake up." Despite these challenges, Gu was able to win two silver medals in slopestyle and big air, as well as defend her title in the halfpipe event.

  • Gu won two gold medals in big air and halfpipe, and a silver medal in slopestyle at the 2020 Winter Youth Olympics.
  • Gu made her Olympic debut at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, repeating her previous performance.
  • Gu suffered a concussion in January 2025 that led to seizures.
  • Gu competed and won medals at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics.

The players

Eileen Gu

A Chinese freestyle skier who has won multiple Olympic and World Championship medals, including gold medals in the halfpipe and big air events.

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What they’re saying

“I think my answer here is twofold. One is about showing vulnerability. I've always thought that being the best is making things look easy. You are excellent. And it seems as though you kind of just cruised through life. Of course, she won another gold medal. She won 20 already. But I think with vulnerability, there's so much more power in that, because it empowers other people to feel as though they can undertake the journey, too.”

— Eileen Gu (CGTN News)

“Like, I really struggled. I had a lot of mental health issues after the last Olympics. I dealt with severe injury a year ago. I had a concussion in January of 2025. I had seizures after, and people were worried If I was going to wake up. Like, that's a real terrifying experience to go through.”

— Eileen Gu (CGTN News)

What’s next

Gu's openness about her mental health struggles and physical injuries could lead to increased awareness and support for elite athletes facing similar challenges.

The takeaway

Eileen Gu's candid admission about her mental health issues and severe injury provides a powerful reminder that even the most successful athletes face significant personal struggles. Her willingness to be vulnerable could inspire others to seek help and support, while also highlighting the need for better resources and care for top-level competitors.