Eileen Gu Wins Olympic Halfpipe Gold: Milan-Cortina 2026

Livigno, Italy – Eileen Gu cemented her status as a freeskiing icon on Sunday, winning gold in the women’s halfpipe at the Milan-Cortina Olympics and becoming the most decorated freestyle skier in Winter Games history. The victory marked a triumphant end to her competition schedule in Italy, adding to her silver medals in slopestyle and big air.

The 22-year-old American-born athlete, competing under the Chinese flag, delivered a winning score of 94.75 at Livigno Snow Park. She edged out teammate Li Fanghui, who secured silver with a score of 93.00, while Great Britain’s Zoe Atkin claimed the bronze medal.

Gu’s path to gold wasn’t without its initial challenge. She stumbled on her first run, receiving a score of just 30.00, as Atkin, the reigning world champion, initially set the pace with 90.50. However, Gu quickly rebounded, showcasing her exceptional skill and composure.

In her second run, Gu wowed the judges with a dazzling performance, earning a score of 94.00 and igniting cheers from a sizable group of Chinese fans waving their national flags. She then elevated her performance further in her final run, achieving the winning score of 94.75, solidifying her lead and leaving her competitors unable to surpass her.

Gu first captured the world’s attention at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, where she won two gold medals and a silver. She has continued to be a standout performer in Italy, demonstrating her versatility by competing – and medaling – in halfpipe, slopestyle, and big air.

The women’s final was originally scheduled for Saturday evening but was postponed due to heavy snowfall in the Italian Alps. Sunday’s competition unfolded under bright, sunny skies, providing ideal conditions for Gu to shine.

Gu’s journey to the top hasn’t been without its internal battles. After her shaky first run, she admitted to struggling with self-belief, perhaps due to “Olympic jitters.” A conversation with her mother, Yan, proved pivotal. According to Gu, her mother offered a simple yet powerful message: “You’ve landed this run five times in training. It’s there, stop thinking so much.” Her mother also reassured her, stating, “I’m not nervous, you will be fine.”

“Every day I was fighting. I gave my all every single day that I’ve been here, and that’s no joke,” Gu said. “Being able to lead the way and pioneer the sport is something I never imagined I’d be able to do but I’m really honored and proud that I have.”

With this latest victory, Gu now boasts a remarkable six career Olympic medals – three gold and three silver – making her the most decorated freestyle skier, male or female, in the history of the Winter Games.

New Zealand’s Mischa Thomas, who finished eighth, praised Gu’s talent, stating, “She is unreal. It’s pretty crazy how good she is. She is ‘Wonder Woman.’”

Zoe Atkin, who secured bronze, is also a U.S.-raised athlete competing for Great Britain. She attends Stanford University and grew up skiing in Maine before moving to Park City, Utah, at age nine. Her father is from England.