Gu Secures Sixth Olympic Medal

LIVIGNO, Italy — Eileen Gu has once again proven her dominance on the world stage, defending her Olympic ski halfpipe title on Sunday and securing her sixth medal across six events at the Winter Games. Despite a shaky start to her first run, Gu rallied to deliver a stunning performance and claim the gold.

The 22-year-old, who competes for China, is already considered the most decorated freeskier in Olympic history. She added to her impressive tally with two silver medals at the Milan Cortina Games, complementing her previous two golds and a silver from the Beijing Games.

A Remarkable Comeback

The start of Gu’s day wasn’t without a stumble. Maybe the most staggering thing of Eileen Gu’s entire gold medal-winning day was she lost her balance on the first trick in her first run, according to the Associated Press. However, she quickly recovered, showcasing her resilience and skill.

Gu ultimately won the event with her second run, a clean and technically proficient performance. She further solidified her lead with an even stronger final run, finishing with a score of 94.75 and pumping her ski poles after landing the final trick.

Podium Finish

Li Fanghui of China took the silver medal, and Zoe Atkin of Britain secured the bronze.

New Zealand’s Mischa Thomas remarked, She is ‘Wonder Woman.’

Gu on Her Achievements

“The reason I love the records so much is that it’s not about man or woman,” Gu said. “I’m the most decorated freeskier of all time, male or female. … That’s a testament to competitive strength, it’s mental strength. It’s being able to perform under pressure. It has nothing to (do with) if you’re a boy or a girl.”

Eileen Gu

Gu expressed her honor at being a pioneer in the sport, stating, Being able to lead the way and pioneer the sport is something I never imagined I’d be able to do,” Gu said. “But I’m really honored and proud that I have.”

Atkin’s Performance and Future of Freeskiing

Zoe Atkin, who competes for Britain, delivered a strong performance, soaring 5.4 meters (18 feet) above the pipe. She finished ninth at the Beijing Games but has consistently achieved podium finishes on the World Cup circuit. Atkin is the defending world champion.

“She’s a really great competitor. She’s a really amazing skier,” said Atkin, whose sister, Isabel, won an Olympic bronze in ski slopestyle at the 2018 Pyeongchang Games. “We have an amazing group of skiers as well. I think the level is truly unmatched, and I think that’s really special. I think that makes it really exciting to watch for the next coming years.”

Zoe Atkin

FAQ

How many Olympic medals does Eileen Gu have?

Eileen Gu has a total of six Olympic medals.

Where were the 2026 Winter Olympics held?

The 2026 Winter Olympics were held in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy.

Who won silver in the women’s ski halfpipe?

Li Fanghui of China won the silver medal.