Eileen Gu successfully defended her Olympic ski halfpipe title on Sunday, solidifying her status as the most decorated freeskier in Olympic history. At just 22 years old, Gu, an American-born athlete representing China, now boasts six medals across six events, combining her performances from the Beijing and Milan-Cortina Games. Her Olympic tally includes two golds and a silver in Beijing, complemented by two silvers and the latest gold in Milan-Cortina 2026.
Gu’s victory was secured with an impressive final run, following a technically serious second attempt. She executed her tricks cleanly, pumping her ski poles in celebration after landing the last maneuver, and earned a winning score of 94.75.
Her teammate Li Fanghui claimed silver, while Britain’s Zoe Atkin, an American-born skier competing for her father’s country, took bronze after soaring 5.4 meters above the halfpipe during her performance. Atkin, the defending world champion, had finished ninth in Beijing and has consistently featured on the World Cup podium in recent years.
Eileen Gu Becomes Most Decorated Freeskier with Stunning Olympic Halfpipe TriumphEileen Gu Shines Amid Challenges and Secures Historic Freeski Halfpipe Victory
The event, rescheduled due to a snowstorm, took place under sunny skies at Livigno Snow Park. Gu’s fans gathered at the base of the halfpipe, waving flags and holding up photos in support. Despite a shaky first run in which she lost balance and cut the run short, Gu delivered flawlessly in her second and final runs, proving her resilience under pressure.
Other competitors faced challenges as well. New Zealand’s Mischa Thomas recounted dropping her phone mid-run, though she reported it was unharmed. American Svea Irving struggled after missing her second run, ultimately finishing 11th. Canadian Cassie Sharpe, a two-time medalist, sat out the final after a hard crash in qualifying.
Gu’s performance reinforced her dominance in freestyle skiing. Her ability to execute high-risk tricks cleanly, combined with her composure and consistency across multiple Olympic cycles, underscores why she is widely regarded as a generational talent in the sport. The victory adds another historic chapter to her already remarkable career, while the freestyle skiing community continues to celebrate her skill, athleticism, and trailblazing achievements.
