Eileen Gu Pursues Sixth Olympic Medal Amidst Weather Delays in Milano Cortina
London, 22 February 2026 – Freestyle skiing superstar Eileen Gu is set to compete for her sixth career Olympic medal as the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games enter their final stages. Despite heavy snowfall causing the postponement of the women’s freeski halfpipe final, the 22-year-old remains the focal point of the Games. Gu, who represents China, has already secured two silver medals in these Games, bringing her total Olympic tally to five medals across two appearances.
Milano Cortina 2026: Performance and Schedule
Eileen Gu entered the 2026 Winter Olympics as the defending champion in Big Air and Halfpipe. In the Big Air final held on 16 February, Gu secured a silver medal, a result she followed with another silver in the Slopestyle event. While some media commentary focused on the “loss” of her gold titles, Gu went viral for her composed response to reporters, describing the perspective of “losing” silver as “ridiculous”.
The final event of her 2026 campaign, the freeski halfpipe, was originally scheduled for today but has been pushed back due to adverse weather conditions. Gu qualified for the final alongside competitors Zoe Atkin and Cassie Sharpe. If she reaches the podium in the rescheduled event, she will extend her record as the most decorated female freestyle skier in Olympic history.
Diplomatic and Social Media Spotlight
Gu’s presence in Italy has been marked by significant media attention regarding her nationality and political standing. On 20 February, Gu publicly responded to criticisms from US Vice-President JD Vance concerning her decision to represent China. Additionally, she has faced “vitriol” on social media, which she addressed in recent interviews, stating she is no longer staying silent regarding the pressure of her unique position as a US-born athlete competing for China.
Outside of the piste, Gu continues to balance her athletic career with her studies at Stanford University, where she is focusing on quantum physics and international relations. Her “masterclass” responses to probing questions from the international press have further solidified her status as a cultural icon beyond the world of winter sports.
Key Facts: Eileen Gu Career Profile
The following table outlines the career achievements and personal details of Eileen Gu as of February 2026.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | 22 Years Old |
| Olympic Medal Count | 5 (2 Gold, 3 Silver) |
| 2026 Medals | Silver (Big Air), Silver (Slopestyle) |
| Education | Stanford University (Quantum Physics) |
| SAT Score | 1580 / 1600 |
| Nationality Represented | China |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Eileen Gu’s final event postponed?
The women’s freeski halfpipe final was postponed on 22 February 2026 due to heavy snow and poor visibility in Livigno, Italy. The event is expected to be rescheduled for the following morning, pending IOC confirmation.
How many medals has Eileen Gu won in total?
As of today, Eileen Gu has won five Olympic medals. She earned two golds and one silver at the Beijing 2022 Games, and has added two silver medals so far at the Milano Cortina 2026 Games.
What was the controversy regarding JD Vance?
On 20 February 2026, Eileen Gu responded to comments made by US Vice-President JD Vance, who had criticised her choice to represent China. Gu dismissed the remarks on social media, thanking him for the attention in a sarcastic “clap back” that trended globally.