Livigno, Italy – Eileen Gu, the Chinese freestyle skier, overcame a shaky start in the freeski slopestyle qualifiers at the 2026 Winter Olympics on Saturday, securing a spot in Monday’s final. A fall on her first run initially jeopardized her medal hopes, but a strong second run propelled her into second place behind defending champion Mathilde Gremaud of Switzerland. The performance highlights the pressure faced by the Beijing 2022 double Olympic champion as she aims for a historic three-gold run at the Milan-Cortina Games.
The qualifying event, held at Livigno Snow Park, saw Gu stumble on the first rail of her initial run, resulting in a low score of 1.26. This placed her under significant pressure to deliver a successful second run to remain in contention for a medal. The top 12 skiers from the qualifying rounds will advance to the final competition.
Eileen Gu Recovers from Early Setback in Freeski Slopestyle
Gu’s recovery wasn’t without a little prompting from her mother. According to Gu, her mother provided a mid-event boost, offering snacks and encouragement after the disappointing first run. She reportedly suggested Gu might be low on energy and urged her to find caffeine to refocus.
The 22-year-old, who switched her international allegiance from the United States to China in 2019, responded to the pep talk with a score of 75.30 on her second attempt. This performance showcased her resilience and ability to perform under pressure, skills that were evident during her success at the Beijing Olympics.
Navigating the Course and Competition
Gremaud topped the qualifying leaderboard with a score of 79.15, demonstrating a smooth and stylish run through the obstacle-filled course. The course design presented a challenge for all competitors, requiring a blend of technical skill and creative expression.
Gu acknowledged feeling nervous before her second run, describing a moment of self-doubt before regaining her composure. She emphasized the extensive preparation she has undertaken in the past year, stating her dedication to the sport is an “obsession.”
Additionally, Gu credited a shift in mindset for her improved performance. She described reaching a “flow state” and reaffirming her self-belief, telling herself she was capable of landing the run. This mental fortitude is a key aspect of her competitive edge, alongside her technical prowess in skiing.
The incident underscores the intense scrutiny and expectations surrounding Gu, who has become a global icon in the world of winter sports. Her dual citizenship and decision to compete for China have also drawn considerable attention, adding another layer of complexity to her Olympic journey.
However, Gu’s ability to overcome adversity and deliver when it matters most remains a defining characteristic of her career. Her performance in the qualifiers demonstrates her determination to contend for multiple medals at the Milan-Cortina Games.
The slopestyle final is scheduled for Monday, where Gu will face off against Gremaud and the other top 11 qualifiers. The outcome will depend on factors such as course conditions, competitor strategies, and the athletes’ ability to execute their routines flawlessly. The competition promises to be a thrilling showcase of freestyle skiing talent, and all eyes will be on Gu as she strives to add to her Olympic medal count.
Looking ahead, the focus will be on whether Gu can maintain her momentum and successfully navigate the final. Uncertainty remains regarding the weather conditions and potential impact on the course, but Gu’s demonstrated resilience suggests she is well-prepared to face any challenges that may arise.