Irene Gu Reflects on Medal Wins and Future at Olympics
As soon as the questions wrapped up, Irene Gu burst into laughter.
She’s aiming to replicate her success from the 2022 Olympics, which saw her snagging two golds and a silver. However, her journey at the 2026 Games in Italy was a mixed bag, resulting in two silver medals, including one from Big Air four years prior.
When a reporter inquired whether she viewed her achievements as winning two silver medals or two golds, Gu, the American-born standout for the Chinese team, seemed taken aback by the question.
“I really have to commend Irene Gu; she handled the reporter’s question with such confidence,” said one observer. “Without a moment of doubt, she called it a ‘ridiculous point of view,'” they added with a smile.
“I’m officially the most decorated female freeskier ever, so I think that speaks volumes,” Gu remarked with a hearty chuckle. “Winning medals at the Olympics is transformative for any athlete. Each medal is a tough challenge, and winning five is even more daunting. But I imagine everyone’s expectations only rise, right?”
“I find the notion that we lost two medals to be a rather absurd way of viewing the situation. I’m out there showcasing the best skiing I can, doing things I’ve never attempted before, so, honestly, I think that’s accomplishment enough.”
Having claimed gold in big air and halfpipe during 2022 and scoring silver in slopestyle, Gu qualified for the 2026 Olympics amidst considerable excitement.
She’s also made headlines for her choice to compete for China instead of the United States, alongside her impressive $23 million in sponsorships, placing her among the highest-paid female athletes globally.
At 22, Gu has worked with brands like Tiffany & Co. and Louis Vuitton, and has deals with Porsche, Red Bull, and others.
In the 2026 Olympics, she kicked off her events with a silver medal in slopestyle, but faced disappointment when she couldn’t defend her big air title, finishing behind Canada’s Megan Oldham.
2026 Winter Olympics
Despite not winning gold, Gu still made history with five Olympic medals to her name.
“Five-time Olympic medalist definitely sounds appealing,” Gu mused.
As she is set to compete in the halfpipe, there’s a possibility for her to add yet another medal to her collection, with qualifying rounds going on Thursday and finals scheduled for Saturday.
Gu has previously voiced her concerns regarding the training arrangements orchestrated by tournament organizers, especially as she juggles preparation across all three disciplines.
“The Olympics should embody ambition and celebrate extraordinary achievements rather than stifle them,” she told reporters recently.
Competing in three categories is a point of pride for her. “I’m honored to be the only freestyle skier in three competitions,” Gu expressed. “I’m here to give it my all. We’ll see where that leads.”
