LIVIGNO, Italy — Perhaps the most surprising moment of Eileen Gu’s gold medal victory was her stumble during the initial trick of her first attempt.
Could she, after all, be human?
However, that notion was quickly dispelled as Gu successfully retained her Olympic ski halfpipe title on Sunday, extending her Winter Games career total to six medals from six appearances.
“She truly is ‘Wonder Woman’,” remarked Mischa Thomas from New Zealand.
Gu, aged 22, an American native representing her mother’s home country of China, has already become the most awarded freeskier in the brief Olympic history of the discipline. At the Milan Cortina Games, she secured two silver medals, adding to the two golds and one silver she earned at the Beijing Games.
“My affection for these records stems from the fact that they transcend gender,” Gu stated. “I stand as the most decorated freeskier ever, regardless of gender. … This demonstrates competitive prowess, mental fortitude, and the capacity to excel under pressure. It’s entirely unrelated to whether one is male or female.”
Gu clinched the victory owing to a strong second run, which was both precise and technically proficient. She further elevated her performance in the concluding run — vigorously pumping her ski poles after executing the final trick — achieving a score of 94.75. The silver medal went to her teammate, Li Fanghui, while Zoe Atkin of Britain secured third place.
“Her talent is truly extraordinary,” Thomas commented on Gu. “It’s absolutely astonishing how skilled she is.”
The competition had been moved to Sunday due to a significant snowstorm on the preceding night. Under clear, sunny skies, Gu excelled in the ultimate event at the Livigno Snow Park. She shaded her eyes against the glare to glimpse her victorious score and was immediately pleased by it.
A considerable number of Gu’s supporters were gathered at the foot of the halfpipe, displaying her images and waving flags.
“To have the opportunity to trailblaze and innovate within this sport is something I never envisioned,” Gu expressed. “However, I am deeply honored and proud to have accomplished it.”
Atkin, an American-born athlete representing her father’s native Britain, achieved remarkable heights throughout the competition, at one stage ascending an impressive 5.4 meters (18 feet) above the pipe. After placing ninth at the Beijing Games, she has consistently featured on World Cup podiums. She boasts three wins over the past four years, all in competitions where Gu was not present.
The 23-year-old Atkin holds the current title as world champion.
“[Gu] is an exceptionally talented competitor and an outstanding skier,” stated Atkin, whose sibling, Isabel, secured an Olympic bronze in ski slopestyle during the 2018 Pyeongchang Games. “We also have a fantastic cohort of skiers. I believe the standard is genuinely unparalleled, which I find very significant. This, I think, makes it incredibly thrilling to follow in the years ahead.”
Amy Fraser from Canada articulated a similar sentiment.
“She is a formidable skier, elevating the performance bar for all others, but she is not invincible,” commented Fraser, who placed fourth. “I do not believe her skill level is insurmountable.”
During her second attempt, Thomas entered the halfpipe – and accidentally dropped her mobile phone. It subsequently needed to be recovered for her. Post-competition, she humorously declared: “My phone is perfectly fine. It’s never been better.”
Svea Irving, an American athlete, registered as “DNS” — did not start — for her second run. Although she participated in a third run, she encountered difficulties in executing a trick and ultimately placed 11th.
Atkin established an early lead after her initial smooth performance. Conversely, Gu faltered on her opening trick and abbreviated her run.
Cassie Sharpe from Canada did not participate in the final following a severe crash during Thursday’s qualifying session. She had previously secured gold in this event at the 2018 Pyeongchang Games and silver four years later in Beijing.