Freestyle skiing sensation Eileen Gu's reaction to a reporter's question at the Milan-Cortina Olympics has captivated audiences worldwide. Following her silver medal finishes in slopestyle and big air, AFP reporter John Weaver asked Gu if she viewed her results as "two silvers gained or two golds lost."
Gu, who won two golds and a silver at the Beijing Games, responded with a laugh, highlighting her status as the most decorated woman in Olympic freestyle skiing history. "Winning a medal at the Olympics is a life-changing experience for every athlete. Doing it five times is exponentially harder," she stated. Gu described the "two medals lost situation" as a "ridiculous perspective."
The exchange, captured in a video that has garnered millions of views, has divided opinion. Supporters praised Gu's "robust response" and intelligence, while critics defended the reporter's question as legitimate, exploring the mindset of elite athletes.
Gu, born and raised in San Francisco, switched her sporting allegiance from the United States to China in 2019, a decision that has drawn mixed reactions. She has previously stated, "I'm just as American as I am Chinese," and acknowledged feeling the pressure of "carrying the weight of two countries on my shoulders."
Beyond her athletic achievements, Gu is also a student at Stanford University and a successful model, ranking as the fourth highest-paid sportswoman globally last year according to Forbes, largely from endorsements. She has one final event, women's halfpipe, remaining at the Italy Games.