Article by Mihai Șovei – Published Monday, February 23, 2026, 10:56 / Updated Monday, February 23, 2026 11:11
Shortly after her success, the athlete learned of the death of her grandmother, an important figure in her life, which visibly moved the athlete.
Eileen Gu, emotional after her grandmother's death
After the two silver medals won in Livigno in the slopestyle and big air events, which established her as the most successful freestyle skier in the history of the Winter Games, Eileen Gu closed her Olympic journey with a gold medal in the halfpipe.
The skier, who arrived late at the post-race press conference, apologized to the journalists, explaining the reason for his initial absence: “I apologize but I just found out that my grandmother has passed away. She had a very important role in my life and I always looked up to her, she inspired me.”
Eileen Gu, in tears at the press conference
Eileen reported that the last time she saw her, before she left for the Olympics, her grandmother was already ill.
“I didn't promise her that I would win, but I promised her that I would be brave, just like her. I am very happy that I managed to keep my promise to my grandmother and I hope I made her proud“, she said, according to gazzetta.it.
Shortly after this moment, the athlete posted several pictures on social networks with her grandmother, along with the message “Because I promised her that I would be brave like her“.
Eileen Gu and her grandmother / photo: instagram @eileengu
Lindsey Vonn, the athlete who went through a terrible injury at this edition of the Olympic Games, sent a message to Eileen Gu.
American Skier wrote: “Grandmas are so special. I'm so sorry.”
Eileen Gu, the most decorated freestyle skier in Olympic history
Gu won six medals in two Winter Olympics, becoming the most decorated freestyle skier in Olympic history.
At Milano Cortina, the halfpipe gold medal joins the silver medals won in slopestyle and big air. She was the only freestyle skier to compete in all three events, winning medals in each of them. At the 2022 Beijing Olympics, Gu won gold in halfpipe and big air, as well as silver in slopestyle.
The reason I love records so much is that they have nothing to do with being a man or a woman. I am the most decorated freestyle skier of all time, regardless of gender. That proves competitive strength, mental strength. It is the ability to perform under pressure. It has nothing to do with being a boy or a girl
– Eillen Gu, after the halfpipe gold
