Eileen Gu Takes Silver in Big Air at 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics, Falls Short of Defending Gold
MILAN, Italy — Eileen Gu, the American-born skier who chose to represent China on the world stage, secured a silver medal in the women’s freeski big air competition at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics on Monday night. Gu, who was the reigning Olympic champion after winning gold in the same event at the 2022 Beijing Games, was unable to defend her title against a strong field of competitors.
The gold medal went to Canada’s Megan Oldham, who delivered a series of impressive runs to outpace the field. Austria’s Lara Wolf and Italy’s Flora Tabanelli also put in strong performances, with Tabanelli ultimately earning the bronze.
Gu opened the competition with a solid first run, scoring a 90.00, which initially placed her tied for third among the competitors. However, both Oldham and Wolf posted higher scores, setting a fierce pace early in the event. The competition format combined the top two scores from each athlete’s runs to determine the final standings.
Gu’s second run proved challenging. She struggled to cleanly grab the tail of her ski during a critical trick, resulting in a shaky landing and a score of 61.25. This misstep pushed her out of medal contention heading into the final run. Despite a strong effort on her last attempt, Gu was unable to regain the top spot.
Her silver medal finish marks a significant achievement but falls short of the gold she captured four years earlier on home soil in Beijing. Gu’s decision to compete for China, despite being born and raised in the United States, has sparked considerable discussion and controversy throughout her career. The United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee and the International Olympic Committee have both overseen the complex eligibility rules that allow athletes to represent countries other than their birth nations.
Canada’s Megan Oldham’s gold medal performance was celebrated as a breakthrough moment for the Canadian freeski team. Her consistent, high-scoring runs demonstrated technical skill and composure under pressure, earning her the top podium spot.
The 2026 Winter Olympics continue to showcase the evolving landscape of winter sports, with freeski big air remaining one of the most thrilling and unpredictable events. Fans can follow ongoing updates and results through the official Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics website.
As the Games progress, Gu’s silver medal adds to China’s growing medal tally and highlights the global nature of modern Olympic competition, where athletes often train and compete across borders. The event also underscores the rising prominence of women’s freeskiing on the international stage, with athletes pushing the boundaries of what is possible on snow.
For more information on Olympic athlete eligibility and competition rules, the USOPC and Olympic Athlete365 platforms offer comprehensive resources and updates.
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