Muir’s Rival Gu Declares: ‘I Have Nothing to Prove’
Eileen Gu, the Chinese skiing sensation, is set to compete at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics with an inspiring message: “I have nothing to prove.” Gu’s journey to Olympic greatness began at the Beijing 2022 Games when she secured two gold medals and a silver medal at the age of 18, becoming the first freeskier to achieve three medals in a single Winter Olympics.
Eileen Gu: Nothing to Prove at Milano Cortina
As she prepares for her second Olympic appearance, Gu reflects on her previous success but emphasizes her commitment to growth in the sport. “Although it is my second Olympics, I treat every event like a new experience,” she stated. Gu’s philosophy is clear: “I train like I have never won, and I compete like I have never lost.” This mindset underscores her dedication and love for free skiing.
Gu’s Qualification and Performance
- Gu qualified for the slopestyle final by finishing second in her qualifiers with a score of 75.30.
- She faced a challenging start, falling during her first run but quickly recovered.
- Mathilde Gremaud topped the qualifiers, leading Gu by just under four points.
Gu’s recent statements highlight her focus on the emotional aspects of competitive skiing. “Skiing is 50% skill and 50% mental,” she expressed. She described her intense emotions during her runs, emphasizing the importance of self-belief in sports.
Kirsty Muir: A Rising Star
Kirsty Muir, representing Team GB, joins Gu as a formidable competitor. At only 21, Muir is aiming for her first Olympic medal after competing in Beijing as the youngest athlete from her country. Muir delivered an impressive performance in her qualifiers, achieving a best run score of 64.98 to secure her spot in the finals.
Muir’s Journey and Aspirations
- Muir clinched a gold medal at the recent X Games in Aspen, boosting her confidence ahead of the Olympics.
- She has gained four years of experience since her last Olympic appearance at just 17 years old.
- Muir expressed excitement about competing under the added pressure, stating she feels “really good” heading into the finals.
As Muir prepares for the finals, she acknowledges the unique atmosphere of the Olympics. “Every competition is different, and there’s a lot of support this time around,” she noted. Her focus now shifts to delivering her best performance in front of a global audience.
Expectations for the Finals
With both Gu and Muir showcasing remarkable talent, the upcoming finals are highly anticipated. Experts believe Muir is in “absolute machine mode,” indicating that both athletes are ready to compete intensely for Olympic glory.
Fans can look forward to watching every event of Milano Cortina 2026 live on discovery+, with subscriptions starting at £3.99. The stage is set for an unforgettable display of talent as Gu and Muir prepare to impress on the world stage.
