Eileen Gu Faces Scheduling Conflict at the 2026 Winter Olympics
Eileen Gu, the standout freeskier competing for China, has found herself in a challenging situation during the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina. As the only female athlete registered for all three skiing disciplines—big air, slopestyle, and halfpipe—Gu is faced with a significant scheduling conflict that could impact her performance.
Disappointment in Olympic Organizers
Gu has expressed her frustration with the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS), stating that organizers have failed to provide her with the same training opportunities as her peers. After performing well in the slopestyle event, where she secured a silver medal, she was looking forward to the halfpipe but noted that training sessions overlap with the big air finals.
- Training Sessions: Three training sessions for halfpipe are scheduled, but they conflict with the big air finals, leaving Gu without the necessary practice to excel.
- Response from FIS: FIS spokesperson Brunon Sassi commented, "Every effort has been made to facilitate the best possible training," but acknowledged that scheduling conflicts can occur for athletes competing in multiple events.
The Unique Challenges of Competing
Gu has tried to negotiate a solution, suggesting she could join the snowboarders’ training sessions, yet her requests were declined for fairness reasons.
“I’m disappointed in FIS,” said Gu. “I think the Olympics should epitomize aspiration. […] It’s unfair to punish those daring to compete in multiple events.”
Historical Context of Scheduling Conflicts
This situation isn’t unique to Gu. Earlier in the Games, fellow competitor Ester Ledecka faced a similar dilemma when she had to choose between defending her snowboarding title and skiing in her favorite downhill event.
Gu’s Performance and Future Prospects
Despite the scheduling issues, Gu remains focused on competing. She hasn’t skied on a halfpipe since December’s World Cup but is determined to adapt quickly.
- Previous Success: Gu won gold in big air during the 2022 Olympics and has 20 World Cup victories, with a majority in the halfpipe event.
- Differentiation of Events: Gu emphasizes the different skills required, stating, “Halfpipe is an entirely different event. It’s like sprinting and a marathon.”
The Competition Timeline
The pressure mounts as Gu prepares for her upcoming competitions:
- Big Air Final: Scheduled for Monday
- Halfpipe Qualifiers: Thursday
- Halfpipe Final: Saturday
Conclusion: A Call for Fairness
As the Olympics progress, all eyes will be on Eileen Gu as she navigates this complicated landscape. Many share her sentiments regarding training fairness for athletes participating in multiple events.
“I think it’s really unfair. […] This is making it completely impossible to train fairly for the third event,” Gu concluded.
With a mix of determination and talent, Gu aims to leave her mark on these Winter Olympics, regardless of the challenges she faces.
Explore More
To stay updated on Eileen Gu’s performance and the latest developments from the 2026 Winter Olympics, be sure to visit NBC Olympics.
