Eileen Gu Told of Grandmother’s Passing After Winning Winter Olympics Gold

Eileen Gu broke down in tears during an interview after winning a gold medal at the Winter Olympics, as she made a heartbreaking admission to reporters.

The 22-year-old, who has been in the spotlight due to switching allegiance from the United States to China, managed to claim two silver medals in the slopestyle and Big Air events at Milano Cortina. But a gold medal had alluded her heading into the halfpipe event on the final day.

But Gu saved her best performance until last. Scoring 94.75 in her third run of the final, she managed to finish just ahead of compatriot Li Fanghui, with Great Britain’s Zoe Atkin taking the bronze medal.

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Gu Delighted With Historic Gold Medal

A gold medal in Italy means that the Chinese competitor has become the most decorated freeskier in Olympic history, having now won five medals across multiple Games. Reacting to news of her first place finish, Gu collapsed in the snow in relief, before giving her thoughts on her success.

As per the official Olympics website, she said: “I can’t put it into words. It’s such a special feeling. I grew up in a male-dominated sport, I was the only girl in my ski team until I was 15 years old.

“So today to stand here before you and be able to say I’m the most gold-medal holding freeski athlete ever, male or female, and most decorated is pretty surreal.

“I never really set out to be a professional athlete, I was just doing what I love. I was pouring every bit of myself into this sport, and so I’m really proud of myself.

“More than anything I hope this platform enables more girls to see the sport and try it.”

Gu Tells Reporters She Lost a Family Member Before Winning Gold

However, Gu then arrived late to her press conference after the event, but was in tears as she gave an emotional interview to reporters. Apologising to those in the room, she revealed that she had just been told that her grandmother had tragically passed away.

She said: “The reason I was late is that I just found out that my grandma passed away. She was a really big part of my life growing up and someone I looked up to immensely.”

Check Out Gu’s Full Interview Below:

Gu, whose middle name ‘Feng’ is a tribute to her grandma, went on to say: “She was so strong, she was a fighter and I think what’s so interesting is that a lot of people just cruise through life but she was a steamship.

“This woman commanded life and she grabbed it by the reins and she made it into what she wanted it to be and she inspired me so much.

“The last time I saw her before I came to the Olympics, she was very sick so I knew that this was a possibility. I didn’t promise her that I was going to win but I did promise her that I was going to be brave like she has been brave, and that’s why I keep referring to this theme of betting on myself and being brave and taking risks.

“It actually goes back to that promise that I made my grandma and so I’m really happy that I was able to uphold that and hopefully do her proud, but it’s also a really difficult time for me now.”