Eileen Gu eyes the one Olympic gold missing from her career as Milano Cortina 2026 slopestyle final looms
Eileen Gu was all smiles after eventually qualifying for the final in second place. Photo: AP
Eileen Gu, one of the most recognizable and marketable athletes in global sport, is once again at the center of Olympic attention as she prepares for the women’s freestyle skiing slopestyle final at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
Already a multiple Olympic gold medalist, Gu enters Monday’s final chasing the one Olympic title that has eluded her career, slopestyle gold. Standing in her way is a familiar rival: Mathilde Gremaud of Switzerland, the reigning Olympic and world champion who narrowly edged Gu in the Beijing 2022 final.
Their renewed showdown has quickly become one of the most anticipated head-to-head battles of the Games.
Dramatic Qualification Sets the Stage for a Rematch
Gu advanced to the final after surviving a tense qualification round at Livigno Snow Park, recovering from a fall to finish second overall, just behind Gremaud. The result mirrored the Beijing 2022 standings, where Gremaud claimed gold by a razor-thin 0.33 points margin. This time, however, the stakes feel even higher.
Gu, representing the People’s Republic of China, is determined to complete her Olympic résumé in what could be one of the defining moments of the 2026 Games. Gremaud, meanwhile, arrives in peak form after winning the qualification round and defending her status as the sport’s most consistent slopestyle performer.
A Star-Studded Final Field in Livigno
The final lineup underscores the depth of talent in women’s freeski slopestyle. Britain’s Kirsty Muir impressed with a third-place qualification finish, confirming her rise as a serious medal threat. She will be joined by USA skier Avery Krumme and Canada’s Megan Oldham, a former X Games champion with a reputation for delivering under pressure.
The final will unfold over three runs on Monday, February 9, with medals determined by the athletes’ best score.
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Eileen Gu’s Global Impact Beyond the Slopes
Gu’s presence in Milano Cortina extends far beyond competition. According to recent reporting, her estimated commercial value exceeds $23 million, driven by global endorsements, cross-cultural influence, and her rare ability to dominate both elite sport and mainstream culture.
At just 22 years old, Gu has become a symbol of modern Olympic stardom, fluent across continents, languages, and industries. Yet despite her success, she has spoken openly about pressure, injuries, and expectations, emphasizing that Olympic moments still carry emotional weight.
That vulnerability, paired with her competitive excellence, continues to resonate with fans worldwide.
What Slopestyle Gold Would Mean for Gu’s Legacy
Gu already owns Olympic gold medals in big air and halfpipe, but slopestyle has remained the missing piece. Victory in Livigno would make her one of the most complete freestyle skiers in Olympic history and solidify her dominance across disciplines.
More importantly, it would close a chapter that began in Beijing, one defined not by failure, but by unfinished ambition.
As she lines up for Monday’s final, Gu carries both the burden of expectation and the rare opportunity to redefine her Olympic legacy on her own terms.
FAQ
Who is Eileen Gu?
Eileen Gu is an elite freestyle skier representing China, widely regarded as one of the most successful and influential athletes of her generation.
Which Olympic medals has Eileen Gu won?
Gu won gold medals at Beijing 2022 in big air and halfpipe, but narrowly missed gold in slopestyle, finishing second.
Why is the slopestyle final important for Eileen Gu?
Slopestyle is the only Olympic freestyle skiing event Gu has not won gold in, making the Milano Cortina 2026 final a defining career moment.
Who is Eileen Gu competing against in the slopestyle final?
Her main rival is Mathilde Gremaud of Switzerland, the reigning Olympic and world champion who beat Gu in Beijing 2022.
When is the women’s slopestyle final at Milano Cortina 2026?
The final takes place on Monday, February 9, with three runs scheduled at Livigno Snow Park.
How much is Eileen Gu worth?
Recent reports estimate Eileen Gu’s commercial value and endorsement portfolio at over $23 million, making her one of the highest-earning winter athletes.
How can fans watch Eileen Gu compete live?
The event will be broadcast and streamed globally through official Olympic broadcasters, including NBC (USA), Eurosport, BBC Sport, and Olympic Channel platforms.