Eileen Gu’s Unprecedented Move Shocks Fans at 2026 Winter Olympics
Eileen Gu’s performance at the 2026 Winter Olympics has left fans in disbelief. Competing in the women’s slopestyle event, Gu secured a silver medal. Her Swiss competitor, Mathilde Gremaud, took the gold with a groundbreaking achievement.
Eileen Gu and Mathilde Gremaud: A Thrilling Rivalry
Mathilde Gremaud made history on Monday by becoming the first woman to successfully land the nose butter double cork 1260 during the Olympics. The trick, known for its complexity, involves pressing the tips of the skis at takeoff, followed by two off-axis flips and three and a half horizontal rotations. Gremaud’s victory run earned her a score of 86.96, enabling her to defeat Gu.
A Close Contest for Gold
- Gremaud’s score: 86.96
- Gu’s silver medal score: 0.38 points behind
- Previous Olympic matchup margin: 0.33 points in 2022
This Olympic bout marked the second consecutive time Gremaud edged out Gu for the gold. Gremaud expressed her determination, saying, “Eileen tried to come for me all the time, and I had to really focus on myself.” Both athletes pushed each other, showcasing how competitive their rivalry has become.
Eileen Gu’s Resilience and Growth
Despite falling in her final run, Gu expressed pride in her performance. She noted the significance of their competitive dynamic in advancing women’s freeskiing. “Both Olympics we were within half a point of one another,” Gu remarked. “If anything, I think it’s just testament to the growth of women’s freeskiing.”
Gu’s journey to the podium was not smooth. She faced injuries and health challenges over the past four years, including a major concussion. Returning to compete, she stated, “Being able to compete and really showcase my best skiing – that was my best slopestyle run that I’ve ever done.” Such resilience has become a hallmark of her career.
Fans React to the Historic Performance
The audience was left in awe by both Gremaud and Gu’s exceptional skills. Their performances highlighted the level of talent and dedication women’s freeskiing has achieved. Gremaud’s historic trick not only secured her gold but also marked a significant milestone in the sport.
The rivalry between Eileen Gu and Mathilde Gremaud continues to escalate, promising exciting future competitions.
