LIVIGNO, Italy — Freestyle skiing superstar Eileen Gu secured her fourth career Olympic medal on Saturday, February 14 2026, taking home the silver in the women’s freeski slopestyle final at the Milano Cortina Winter Games. In a highly anticipated Valentine’s Day showdown, the 22-year-old phenom finished just behind Switzerland’s Mathilde Gremaud, who successfully defended her gold from Beijing.
Gu, representing China, posted a top score of 52.40 in the final. While the performance was enough to land her on the podium, the elusive slopestyle gold continues to escape her. This result mirrors her 2022 Beijing performance, where she also claimed silver in the event. Despite falling short of the top spot, Gu remains the most decorated freestyle skier in recent history, now boasting a career total of two gold and two silver Olympic medals.
Defending the Big Air Title
The competition schedule remains intense for the American-born athlete. Immediately following her slopestyle podium finish, Gu shifted her focus to the Big Air qualifiers. As of Saturday afternoon, she was seen at the top of the 75-meter run in Livigno, preparing for her bid to reach the finals and defend the gold medal she won four years ago.
“I’m happy with the silver and the consistency I’ve shown,” Gu told reporters following the event. “Slopestyle is always a challenge of creativity and technicality, and Mathilde put down an incredible run. Now, my eyes are on Big Air.”
A Global Icon and Financial Powerhouse
Beyond the slopes, Gu’s influence continues to grow. Recent financial reports indicate that at age 22, her net worth has surpassed $20 million, fueled by high-profile brand deals and her status as a global fashion icon. She currently balances her professional skiing career with her studies at Stanford University, maintaining a level of “work-life balance” that has made her a role model for Gen Z athletes.
However, her success is not without its share of international scrutiny. Gu’s decision to compete for China rather than the United States remains a topic of debate in the sports world. Reports leading up to the 2026 Games suggested that China has invested heavily in naturalized athletes, with Gu being the most prominent face of this strategy. Critics have pointed to the move as a “snub” to the U.S. program, while supporters view her as a bridge between cultures who is inspiring a new generation of Chinese winter sports enthusiasts.
What’s Next for Eileen Gu?
With one medal already secured in Italy, Gu is on track to potentially match her three-medal haul from the 2022 Games. Following the Big Air competition, she is expected to compete in the Halfpipe, an event where she remains the heavy favorite and the reigning Olympic champion. Fans and analysts alike are watching closely to see if she can cement her legacy as the greatest action sports athlete of her generation by the time the closing ceremonies arrive.