Eileen Gu Responds to “Two Golds Lost” Question at Milano Cortina 2026

The Question That Gained Attention

During the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, freestyle skier Eileen Gu was asked a question that quickly circulated online. A reporter asked whether she considered her results as “two silvers earned or two golds lost,” referring to her second-place finishes in big air and slopestyle events.

Gu’s response rejected the idea that silver medals should be seen as losses. She said the framing of the question was unfair and emphasized that winning any Olympic medal is a significant accomplishment.

The clip of her reply was widely shared on social media, showing many viewers agreed with her perspective, while others debated it.



Gu’s Statement

Gu explained that she is now the most decorated female Olympic freeskier, with a total of five medals across the 2022 Beijing Olympics and the 2026 Milano Cortina Games. She noted that every Olympic medal requires significant effort and preparation.

She referred to the “two golds lost” notion as a “ridiculous perspective” and said her focus is on performing her best and completing tricks that push the limits of her sport. Her point was that the achievement itself matters more than a single result.

Her answer was calm and direct, showing her intention to set boundaries around how her performance is judged.



Career Context

Eileen Gu is 22 years old and has already won multiple Olympic medals. At the 2022 Beijing Games, she earned two golds and one silver. In 2026, she took silver in both big air and slopestyle, with the halfpipe event still remaining.

Her silver in big air came after a difficult second run, where a mistake left her with a lower score. She recovered with a strong third attempt, which placed her in second position behind Canadian skier Megan Oldham.

Gu has mentioned that the tight event schedule at these Games makes it challenging to train between competitions, but she has continued to perform at a high level in all her events.



Why the Interview Attracted Attention

The question about “two golds lost” tapped into broader discussions about athlete evaluation. Gu’s choice to represent China, despite being born and raised in the United States, has drawn both support and criticism, which adds context to public interest in her statements.

Some critics have interpreted her confidence as arrogance, while many supporters see it as a clear way of asserting her achievements. The viral clip reflects ongoing debate about how athletes are discussed in media, especially women athletes.



Rethinking How We View Success

Gu’s response highlights a larger conversation about how winning and achievement are framed. Silver and bronze medals are often treated as secondary, yet they represent years of training, dedication, and high-level performance.

Her comments suggest that the focus should be on effort, skill, and improvement rather than purely on first-place outcomes. This perspective is relevant not only in sports but also in how we evaluate achievement in other areas.



Public Reaction

Many viewers praised Gu for standing up for herself and recognizing the value of silver medals. Social media responses highlighted agreement with her approach to defining success on her own terms.

Others focused on the broader context, including her decision to compete for China, and debated her statements through that lens. Regardless of perspective, the interview became a widely discussed moment at the 2026 Winter Olympics.



Ongoing Events

Gu’s season was not yet over at the time of the interview. The halfpipe event remained, offering another opportunity for her to add to her medal count. Her performance there would continue to be viewed in the context of this viral interview and the broader discussion about evaluating athletes.

The attention on this interview has also sparked conversation about how media frames questions for Olympic competitors and the pressures that come with public scrutiny.



Conclusion

Eileen Gu’s response to the “two golds lost” question emphasizes that achievement should be measured by effort and performance, not only by a single result. Her perspective reinforces the importance of respecting athletes’ accomplishments and acknowledging the challenges of high-level competition.

By addressing the question directly and calmly, Gu shifted the conversation from perceived failure to recognition of achievement. The interview also highlights ongoing discussions about media narratives, public expectations, and the way we talk about success in competitive sports.