Eileen Gu had a bittersweet day on the ultimate day of the 2026 Winter Olympics.
The 22-year-old Olympian gained the gold within the Freeski Halpipe for the second Winter Olympics in a row, defending her title from 2022.
Nonetheless, in a put up occasion press convention, she revealed that she was late to talk with press as a result of she simply discovered her grandma handed away.
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“The explanation I used to be late is that I simply came upon that my grandma handed away,” she stated whereas turning into extra emotional. “She was a very massive a part of my life rising up and somebody I seemed as much as immensely. She was a fighter.”
Eileen continued, “I feel what’s so attention-grabbing is that lots of people simply cruise by life, however she was a steamship. This girl commanded life and he or she grabbed it by the reins and he or she made it into what she wished it to be. She impressed me a lot.”
“She was very sick, so I knew that this was a chance,” the athlete shared. “I didn’t promise her that I used to be going to win however I did promise her that I used to be going to be courageous like she has been courageous. That’s why I preserve referring to this theme of betting on myself and being courageous and taking dangers. It really goes again to that promise that I made my grandma.”
She concluded, “So, I’m actually completely satisfied that I used to be in a position to uphold that and hopefully do her proud. However it’s additionally a very tough time for me now. So I actually apologize for being late however that’s what was occurring.”
Our ideas exit to Eileen Gu and her household throughout this time.
Eileen competed in three occasions on the Winter Olympics this yr, and he or she gained a medal in each.
She picked up silver medals in each slopestyle and large air, earlier than profitable gold for the second Winter Olympics in a row in freeski halfpipe.
Whereas on the Olympics this yr, Eileen has additionally confronted backlash for competing for China as a substitute of the USA, the place she was born and raised. Discover out how she responded to criticism from Vice President JD Vance.