Winter Olympics 2026: Eileen Gu admits she’s ‘totally depleted’ and says busy schedule 'discourages athletes from daring to try'
Updated 20/02/2026 at 11:08 GMT
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Eileen Gu has already won silver in two events at the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympic Winter Games and is going for a third medal in the women's freestyle halfpipe. In qualifying, Gu fell during her first run, the third time she's fallen at this year's Games. Afterwards, she told TNT Sports that she's 'exhausted' and criticised the busy schedule she's had to manage since arriving in Italy.
'Exhausted' Gu criticises 'very disappointing' decision over Olympic training schedule
Video credit: TNT Sports
Eileen Gu is one of the stars of 2026 Milano Cortina Olympic Winter Games. But that fame comes with a price, she says.
Gu has won silver in two events already and will face Team GB’s Zoe Atkin in a momentous freestyle skiing halfpipe final on Saturday.
But after qualifying on Thursday - during which she fell on her first run, the third time she’s fallen at this year’s Games – the 22-year-old spoke of the effect the busy schedule has had on her.
"To be honest with you, I'm really tired. I haven't had an off day in three weeks and my adrenaline levels are totally depleted," Gu told TNT Sports’ Lutalo Muhammad. "I missed a training here. I haven't skied pipe in two months before that.
"So it's been a steep learning curve to get back in the pipe, but every day counts, and hopefully I'll bring my best for finals."
When asked whether she’d like to see the schedule changed in future Olympics, Gu said she’s already been part of discussions, but no change has come yet.
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Gu clips wall in 'nervy moment' but qualifies with second run
Video credit: TNT Sports
"Actually, this happened at the last Olympics too, and I spoke to FIS then, and unfortunately it got even worse," she said. "Last time I missed half a practice, this time I missed an entire training.
"It's very disappointing to me. I think it discourages athletes from daring to try. I'm in three finals. I medalled in the other two events. I'm here because I hope that I'm contributing to the sport in all three events.
"Halfpipe especially, no other woman is competing in a single other event, let alone two. And so I envy them for their freshness. I'm exhausted, but with that said, a little bit of understanding and really just support for the sport from FIS would be appreciated."
Gu, who won two golds and one silver at Beijing four years ago, qualified fifth for the final with 86.50 points after a cleaner second run at Livigno Snow Park.
She will have a tough task to beat Atkins in Saturday’s final, with the British athlete qualifying in top spot and looking impressive.
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Gu clips lip of halfpipe in 'surprising' fall - 'Not the start she wanted'
Video credit: TNT Sports
Speaking on TNT Sports’ morning show, former freestyle skier James Woods said that the pressure resting on Gu’s shoulders comes with being such a huge star.
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"You take on a lot, you deliver a lot. I mean, Eileen's been the face of two Olympic Games now and kudos to her, it's not because she doesn't deserve it," Woods said. "Eileen is so good, so brilliant.
Woods added: "Eileen went down on run one, it's a normal thing to do. She's got a lot of eyes on her, a lot of attention. It puts a big amount of pressure on run two when you've got to do it run then and there. … Obviously, Eileen's got a real busy month, but I wouldn't read drastically too far into it. But she's a true pro and she's getting hit with all these questions. She's come second in two different events."
Watch every event of Milano Cortina 2026 live on discovery+. Available across all subscription plans, starting at £3.99.
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