Chinese freestyle skier Eileen Gu added another milestone to her storied career this week, earning silver in the Women's Freeski Big Air event at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Livigno, Italy. The victory marks her fifth Olympic medal overall, cementing her status as one of winter sports' most decorated athletes.
Local spectators packed the slopes to cheer on the 23-year-old phenom, with many waving banners celebrating her technical precision and signature aerial maneuvers. The event highlighted growing global interest in Asia's winter sports talent, particularly among young athletes reshaping traditional European-dominated disciplines.
CGTN correspondent Dan Williams reported from the venue, noting the enthusiastic crowd reactions to Gu's penultimate jump that secured her podium position. "You could feel the energy shift when she dropped in," Williams observed. "There's a palpable sense she's transcending sport – becoming a cultural bridge through athletics."
Gu's performance comes as Asian nations continue to make historic showings in winter sports, with regional athletes claiming 38% of all medals awarded through the first week of competition – a 12% increase from the 2022 Winter Games.
