Freestyle skiing star Eileen Gu revealed that she learned of the death of her grandmother just minutes after winning gold in the women’s halfpipe at the 2026 Winter Olympics. The 22-year-old, born in San Francisco, had the option to compete for the United States but chose to represent China through her mother’s heritage.
Gu has become one of the most accomplished freestyle skiers of her generation. At the 2022 Winter Olympics, she captured gold in big air and halfpipe, along with silver in slopestyle. In Milan-Cortina, she added another gold in halfpipe and silvers in big air and slopestyle, further strengthening her Olympic legacy.
A Personal Loss Behind the Podium
Gu entered the competition knowing her grandmother, Feng Guozhen, was critically ill. Shortly after standing atop the podium, she was informed that her grandmother had passed away.
“The reason I was late is that I just found out that my grandma passed away,” Gu said. “She was a really big part of my life growing up and someone I looked up to immensely.”
Gu’s middle name, Feng, honors her grandmother, whom she credits as a lifelong source of strength and encouragement. She shared that she had promised her grandmother she would be brave and give her all in competition — a promise she believes she fulfilled with her performance.
“I’m really happy that I was able to uphold that and hopefully do her proud,” she said, acknowledging that the victory was bittersweet during such a difficult moment.
A Career Defined by Excellence
Gu’s rapid rise in freestyle skiing has been marked by innovation, composure, and consistency under pressure. Beyond Olympic success, she has excelled at international competitions, solidifying her reputation as one of the sport’s defining athletes.
Her decision to represent China has made her a symbol of cross-cultural connection, celebrated by fans in both China and the United States. Competing under intense global scrutiny, Gu has repeatedly demonstrated resilience — a trait she attributes in part to her grandmother’s influence.
Olympic Medal Bonuses Around the World
While Olympic medals bring prestige and endorsement opportunities, financial rewards vary widely by country. The International Olympic Committee does not award prize money directly, leaving national Olympic committees to determine bonuses for medalists.
For the 2026 Winter Games, Singapore offers the highest gold-medal payout at $787,000. Hong Kong follows closely with $768,000. Several European nations — including Italy, Poland, Slovenia, Estonia, Czechia, and Spain — provide six-figure rewards for gold medalists.
By contrast, countries such as Sweden, Norway, and Team GB do not offer direct monetary bonuses for Olympic medals, though athletes often receive funding for training and can earn substantial sponsorship income. British sprinter Dina Asher-Smith, for example, has secured multimillion-pound endorsement deals.
The United States awards $37,500 for Olympic gold. However, philanthropist Ross Stevens has introduced a retirement initiative for American Olympians, contributing $100,000 toward athletes’ retirement accounts regardless of medal outcome, with an additional $100,000 designated for beneficiaries after their passing — a long-term approach aimed at providing financial security beyond competition years.
A Legacy Beyond Medals
Despite the joy of victory, Gu’s Milan-Cortina triumph is inseparable from personal loss. Her experience highlights the emotional complexity elite athletes often carry while competing on the world stage.
Gu’s tribute to her grandmother reflects the powerful connection between family, culture, and athletic ambition. Her promise to be brave and “bet on herself” has shaped her competitive mindset, emphasizing courage, perseverance, and self-belief.
As she continues her career, Gu’s impact extends far beyond podium finishes. She stands as a role model for young athletes navigating identity, pressure, and ambition across cultures. Her story — blending excellence, resilience, and heartfelt dedication — reinforces that behind every medal is a deeply human journey.
