The query had simply ended and Eileen Gu instantly started laughing.
Gu’s try to copy her 2022 Olympics success — two golds and one silver — has fallen a bit quick in Italy for the 2026 Video games, with two silver medals, together with within the Huge Air competitors she received 4 years in the past.
When a reporter requested whether or not she considered her exhibiting as two silvers received or two gold medals misplaced, Gu, the American-born Group China star, couldn’t imagine the notion being offered.
“I’m essentially the most adorned feminine freeskier in historical past, I feel that’s a solution in and of itself,” Gu stated after a hearty chuckle. “How do I say this? Profitable a medal on the Olympics is a life-changing expertise for each athlete. Doing it 5 occasions is exponentially tougher as a result of each medal is equally laborious for me, however everyone else’s expectations rise, proper?
“The 2 medals misplaced state of affairs, to be fairly frank with you, I feel is type of a ridiculous perspective to take. I’m showcasing my greatest snowboarding, I’m doing issues that fairly actually have by no means been completed earlier than so I feel that’s greater than adequate, however thanks.”
Gu entered the 2026 Olympics with loads of hype after profitable gold in Huge Air and Halfpipe in 2022, plus ending second in Slopestyle.
She additionally has attracted consideration for her determination to compete for China slightly than the U.S., plus the $23 million she has made from endorsements, which makes her among the many highest-paid feminine athletes on this planet.
Gu, 22, has modeled for Tiffany & Co. and Louis Vuitton, and likewise has endorsement offers with Porsche and Crimson Bull, amongst others, in accordance with Forbes.
Her 2026 Olympics started with one other silver within the Slopestyle, however the true disappointment got here within the Huge Air when she couldn’t defend her crown, as an alternative ending behind Canada’s Megan Oldham.
2026 WINTER OLYMPICS
Even in defeat, although, Gu made historical past since she now has 5 Olympic medals.
“‘5-time Olympic medalist’ type of has a pleasant ring to it,” Gu stated, per ESPN.
Gu has an opportunity so as to add yet one more medal to her resume since she additionally competes within the Halfpipe occasion, with qualifying runs set for Thursday and the finals heats this Saturday.
She beforehand criticized match organizers for the way they arrange coaching classes whereas she juggles coaching for all three occasions.
“I feel the Olympics ought to epitomize aspiration, and I feel with the ability to do one thing that’s past the unusual ought to be celebrated as an alternative of punished,” she advised reporters final weekend.
Competing in three occasions is a supply of pleasure for the Stanford product.
“I’m proud to be the one freestyle skier competing in three occasions,” she advised reporters. “I’m right here to offer my greatest. We’ll see what occurs.”
