Mathilde Gremaud Blocks Eileen Gu’s Gold in Olympic Freeski Slopestyle
Mathilde Gremaud successfully retained her title in the Olympic freeski slopestyle, denying Eileen Gu a gold medal for the second consecutive Winter Games. The event took place in Livigno, Italy, where Gremaud scored 86.96, outperforming Gu, who secured silver with a score of 86.58.
Gremaud Shines in Olympic Freeski Slopestyle
Gremaud’s victory brought her Olympic medal total to four, which includes a silver from eight years ago. She expressed that this winning run was not only about defending her title but also about showcasing her abilities. “I could show a good run in 2018, a great run in 2022, and the best run of my life in 2026,” she stated.
Eileen Gu’s Silver Medal Performance
Gu’s hopes for gold were dashed during her final run. After a strong start, she faced difficulty on the tricky rail section, which ultimately caused her to fall. Before her tumble, she led after the first run but could not reclaim her advantage after making errors.
- Event Location: Livigno, Italy
- Date: Monday, February 5, 2026
- Gold Medalist: Mathilde Gremaud
- Score: 86.96
- Silver Medalist: Eileen Gu
- Score: 86.58
- Bronze Medalist: Megan Oldham (Canada)
Throughout the competition, Gu had strong performances but struggled in critical moments. She expressed her belief in the unpredictable nature of contest skiing, acknowledging that both she and Gremaud could have won on different days.
Gremaud’s Olympics Career
Gremaud has demonstrated exceptional skill in slopestyle and other events. Her accolades include:
- Total Olympic Medals: 4
- World Champion Titles in Slopestyle: 2023, 2025
- Bronze in Big Air: 2022
In slopestyle, athletes are judged on their ability to perform acrobatic tricks over rails and jumps. The Livigno course featured distinct sections, including three rail sections followed by three jumps, with the best score from the jumps determining the winner.
As the competition concluded, Gremaud celebrated her victory by wrapping herself in a Swiss flag and sharing the moment with her teammates, signifying a memorable day for Swiss freeskiing. Meanwhile, Gu will aim to reclaim her titles at future competitions after this setback.