Eileen Gu Faces Setback & Qualifies for Finals at Milan Winter Olympics 2026

LIVIGNO, Italy – Eileen Gu navigated a rocky start to secure her place in the final of the women’s freeski slopestyle competition at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics on Saturday. The 22-year-old, representing China, overcame a fall on her first run to qualify with a score of 75.30 in her second attempt.

The qualifying round proved more challenging than anticipated, with several top competitors facing difficulties on the trickier-than-expected rails portion of the course. Gu’s initial run was marred by a fall just seconds in, resulting in a score of 1.26. She skied backwards out of the starting gate, attempted a 270-degree spin on the first rail, but lost her balance and skidded into the snow.

The stumble immediately raised concerns about Gu’s chances of advancing, especially given her ambition to contend for medals in slopestyle, big air, and halfpipe – a repeat of her historic three-medal performance at the 2022 Beijing Olympics. The pressure mounted as she waited for her second and final run.

“I went through the five stages of grief, first,” Gu said, reflecting on her initial reaction to the fall. “It was, like, confusion, maybe depths of despair, perhaps a conniption. And then by the end of it, I ended in this flow state.”

Before her second run, Gu’s mother, Yan, inquired about her well-being, asking if she felt sleepy or if her blood sugar was low. Yan provided her daughter with dried fruit, a small gesture that seemed to help refocus Gu before her crucial second attempt.

Gu described a shift in mindset before her second run, a moment of calm where she tapped into her dedication to the sport. “I sank deep into myself,” she explained. “I went deep into the pit of my stomach and I found my flow state and I told myself that I have worked so ridiculously hard. It’s not that I love skiing, I’m obsessed with it and I’ve lived and breathed this.”

That renewed focus translated into a successful second run, earning her the 75.30 points needed to qualify for the final. The performance demonstrated Gu’s resilience and ability to perform under pressure, qualities that have defined her career thus far.

Gu, who was born and raised in San Francisco, is aiming to add to her Olympic medal count in Milan. She will be closely watched as she competes against Switzerland’s Mathilde Gremaud, a formidable opponent who secured a qualifying score of 79.15. Gremaud is the reigning world champion and has consistently performed at a high level in recent competitions.

The qualifying results also saw American Avery Krumme, 17, advance to the final with a score of 64.93. However, Grace Henderson (49.78) and Marin Hamill (47.91) were unable to secure a spot in the final.

Gu’s journey to the final wasn’t just about overcoming a fall; it was a testament to her mental fortitude and unwavering commitment to her sport. As she prepares for the final on Monday, she carries the weight of expectations as one of the Games’ brightest stars. She acknowledged the unique pressure of the Olympics, stating, “if there’s anyone to bet on now, I’d bet on myself.”

The Chinese team as a whole has seen historic breakthroughs in freeskiing, according to reports from Xinhua News Agency. While details of those breakthroughs weren’t specified, they suggest a growing strength in the sport within the Chinese delegation.

Gu’s confidence is evident. As reported by Yahoo Sports, she feels she has nothing left to prove. “I don’t need to prove anything to anyone,” she stated, signaling a determined mindset as she heads into the final competition.

The women’s freeski slopestyle final promises to be a thrilling contest, with Gu and Gremaud poised for a rematch. The competition will test not only their technical skills but also their ability to handle the immense pressure of Olympic competition. The final is scheduled for February 9th, and will be broadcast live on NBC and Peacock.