Eileen Gu Defends Halfpipe Gold to Secure Sixth Career Olympic Medal
LIVIGNO, 22 February 2026 — The “Snow Princess” has solidified her status as the most decorated freestyle skier in Olympic history. Eileen Gu, representing China, successfully defended her Olympic halfpipe title on Sunday at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games. With a dominant final run scoring 94.75, the 22-year-old phenom concludes her second Olympic campaign with a total of three medals from Italy, bringing her career tally to six medals across six Olympic events.
A Historic Performance in Milano Cortina
Gu’s victory in the halfpipe on Sunday followed a week of intense competition and high-stakes recovery. Earlier in the Games, Gu secured two silver medals in the Big Air and Slopestyle events. Her silver in Big Air, won six days ago, marked her fifth career Olympic medal, trailing only Canada’s Megan Oldham who took the gold.
The road to the halfpipe final was not without drama. During the qualifying rounds three days ago, Gu suffered an early fall after catching a ski on her third hit. Despite the scare, she recovered in her second qualifying run to place 5th, eventually finding her rhythm in today’s final to outscore her rivals, including Great Britain’s Zoe Atkin.
The Evolution of a Freestyle Prodigy
Eileen Gu first rewrote the history books at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics. At age 18, she became the youngest Olympic champion in freestyle skiing and the first to win three medals at a single Games: gold in Big Air and Halfpipe, and silver in Slopestyle.
Career Olympic Medal Count
| Games | Gold | Silver | Bronze | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beijing 2022 | 2 (Big Air, Halfpipe) | 1 (Slopestyle) | 0 | 3 |
| Milano Cortina 2026 | 1 (Halfpipe) | 2 (Big Air, Slopestyle) | 0 | 3 |
| Total | 3 | 3 | 0 | 6 |
Life Beyond the Slopes: Stanford and Stardom
Off the snow, Gu maintains a profile as high as her aerial maneuvers. Now 22, she is a student at Stanford University—the same institution her mother, Yan Gu, attended for her MBA. Gu has balanced her rigorous training schedule with a degree in quantum physics, often studying between World Cup events.
Her commercial influence is equally significant. With estimated earnings exceeding $20 million annually, she is one of the highest-paid female athletes in the world. Her portfolio includes international fashion modelling, luxury brand endorsements, and frequent appearances on global magazine covers.
The Dual-Culture Narrative
Born in San Francisco to an American father and a Chinese mother, Gu’s decision to represent China remains a point of international discussion. While she continues to train and live largely in the United States, she has consistently stated her desire to inspire millions of young girls in China to take up winter sports. This “bridge” between cultures has made her a polarizing yet undeniably influential figure in global sports diplomacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Olympic medals does Eileen Gu have?
As of 22 February 2026, Eileen Gu has won a total of six Olympic medals: three gold and three silver. She has reached the podium in every Olympic event she has entered across the 2022 and 2026 Winter Games.
What did Eileen Gu study at Stanford?
Eileen Gu is a student at Stanford University where she has focused her studies on quantum physics. She famously balanced her academic workload while preparing for the Milano Cortina 2026 Games.
Who is Eileen Gu’s mother?
Her mother is Yan Gu, a former ski instructor who emigrated from China to the United States. Yan Gu attended Rockefeller University and Stanford Graduate School of Business and has been a pivotal figure in Eileen’s career management.
Does Eileen Gu still compete for China?
Yes, Eileen Gu represented China at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, defending her titles and adding to the medal count for the Chinese delegation.