Olympic Ski Star Eileen Gu Frustrated by Lack of Scheduling Support
Eileen Gu, a rising star in the world of Olympic skiing, recently expressed her frustration with the scheduling conflicts at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Despite securing a spot in the big air final, the young athlete is disappointed with the lack of accommodations for her training sessions. Gu, an American-born freeskier representing China, is the only female competitor participating in all three disciplines: slopestyle, halfpipe, and big air.
Scheduling Conflicts at the 2026 Winter Olympics
The big air final event is set for Monday, coinciding with the first of three scheduled halfpipe training sessions. Gu, who clinched a silver medal in slopestyle earlier in the week, reached out to organizers at the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) to discuss her concerns. Gu emphasized she did not seek special treatment but merely requested equal practice opportunities compared to her peers.
FIS’s Response
- FIS stated that making a change for one athlete wouldn’t be fair to others.
- Bruno Sassi, a spokesperson for FIS, mentioned that the organization has made every effort to provide optimal training conditions for athletes.
- He acknowledged that conflicts can occur for athletes competing in multiple events.
Gu voiced her disappointment, asserting that the Olympic spirit should celebrate high aspirations and achievements instead of penalizing them. “I think it’s really unfair,” she remarked, highlighting that the tight schedule punishes those willing to excel in multiple disciplines.
Eileen Gu’s Olympic Journey and Achievements
At just 22 years old, Gu is considered one of the most prominent figures at the Milan Cortina Games. Earlier in her career, she won a gold medal in big air during the 2022 Beijing Olympics, part of her impressive collection of three medals at the event. With 20 World Cup victories to her name, 15 of which were in halfpipe, Gu has demonstrated her prowess in extreme skiing.
As the Winter Olympics progress, Gu faces an intense schedule. After the big air final on Monday, she will quickly switch focus to prepare for the halfpipe qualifiers on Thursday, with the final event scheduled for Saturday. This demanding timeline poses significant challenges for her training regimen.
Importance of Fair Scheduling for Athletes
Eileen Gu’s situation raises broader questions about how multi-discipline athletes are supported during major sports events. As athletes strive for excellence, organizers must consider equitable access to training facilities. Gu’s perseverance and commitment to competing in multiple events have put the spotlight on the need for better scheduling practices in the world of sports.
As the Games continue, it remains to be seen how Gu will navigate these challenges and compete for medals. Despite the hurdles, she remains focused on performing at her best, driven by a passion for her sport and a determination to succeed.
