Coco Gauff and Chloe Kim extended love and congratulatory notes as Eileen Gu delivered the ‘best slopestyle run ever’ to win silver at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Gu won her straight silver finish in the discipline, but was far from disheartened for missing the gold.
Gu had a rough road to navigate before entering her second Olympics in Milan–Cortina. At the 2022 edition, she became the youngest Olympic champion in freestyle skiing, winning gold in both big air and halfpipe.
Coco Gauff and Chloe Kim Heap Praise on Eileen Gu After Her Slopestyle Feat
Gu was a dominant force at the 2025-26 FIS Freestyle Ski World Cup, winning her signature event and reinforcing her status as a top medal contender at the Winter Olympics. She also claimed the halfpipe World Cup title in January, setting herself up for a strong month ahead.
However, she wasn’t at her best just months ago, when she faced a harrowing accident at Cardrona Alpine Resort, leading to hospitalization and medical evaluation. Despite the roadblock, the Chinese skier bounced back, entered the Olympic build-up sessions, and finally stood on the podium with her second silver and fourth Olympic medal.
In a later Instagram post, the 22-year-old shed light on how she produced her best slopestyle run through hard work, overcoming fear, injury, and every setback. She said she finally felt she was progressing in the sport and embraced the idea of being better today than yesterday. Gu also highlighted some milestones, saying:
“My first time doing the switch right 2 in a Slopestyle contest! And on the biggest feature in my run!! AND linking doubles for the first time!! Feeling happy and proud.”
In the comments, fellow Olympian Chloe Kim, who is on a pursuit of becoming the first snowboarder to win three straight gold medals, congratulated Gu, saying:
“Woooooo!!! Congrats lovie!!”
Gauff, the reigning French Open champion, joined forces and wrote:
“Congratulations”
READ MORE: ‘Sorry for the Scare’ Eileen Gu Storms Back After Fall To Reach Winter Olympics Slopestyle Final
Gu was born in the United States and represented the country early in her career before deciding to compete for China, her mother’s nation. Over the years, she has immersed herself in the cultures of both countries, acting as a bridge between them. In a conversation with People’s Daily, the four-time Olympic medalist said she would never force one culture onto another, but instead believes in integration built on mutual respect, allowing both to flourish in their own ways.
Gu boasts three World Championship medals and three golds from the Winter Games, including two podium finishes at the Winter Youth Games.
