Eileen Gu, one of freestyle skiing’s brightest stars, revealed she received heartbreaking personal news shortly after celebrating an Olympic gold medal. The 22-year-old athlete, born in San Francisco, chose to represent China in honor of her mother’s heritage and has become a global figure admired for both her skill and composure under pressure. At the 2022 Winter Olympics, Gu made history by winning gold in big air and halfpipe, along with silver in slopestyle, establishing herself among the sport’s elite.

She continued her success at the Milan-Cortina Winter Games, earning another gold and two silver medals, once again proving her dominance in freestyle skiing. Yet behind this triumph was deep emotion. Gu entered the Games knowing her maternal grandmother, Feng Guozhen, was seriously ill. Moments after her gold medal victory, she learned her grandmother had passed away. Speaking openly, Gu shared that her grandmother had been a powerful source of strength and inspiration throughout her life.

Her middle name, “Feng,” honors that bond. She described her grandmother as strong and resilient, a woman who shaped her courage. Before leaving for the Olympics, Gu promised to face life bravely, carrying her grandmother’s spirit with her. Rather than focusing only on victory, she emphasized honoring that promise — taking risks and believing in herself.

While celebrating her medal, Gu acknowledged the bittersweet nature of the moment, balancing pride with grief. Her story reflects not only athletic excellence but also humanity, reminding fans that even champions face deeply personal struggles beyond the spotlight.