Eileen Gu Bounces Back to Medal Contention at Milan Cortina 2026
Eileen Gu Bounces Back from Early Fall
Eileen Gu, the freestyle skiing sensation, turned a shocking first-run tumble into triumph at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. Skiing backwards into the Livigno Snow Park gate, she nailed a 270-degree spin on the oversized first rail but crashed moments later, threatening her slopestyle dreams. As the reigning silver medalist from Beijing 2022, the pressure mounted intensely.[1][2]
Pressure-Packed Second Run Secures Spot
With her Olympic goals hanging by a thread, Gu regrouped, watching footage on her phone to shake off hesitation. Her second run delivered a flawless performance, scoring 75.30 to claim second place behind Switzerland's Mathilde Gremaud, who dominated her opener. This advance qualification setup a highly anticipated final on Monday, where Gu aims to upgrade her medal haul.[1][3]
Resilience Defines Gu's Olympic Legacy
Gu's comeback echoes her history of breakthroughs, from X Games golds to multiple Beijing medals. Facing a reworked rail routine and tricky course spacing, she embodied mental fortitude, declaring she needed to "remember who you are." Fans eagerly await if this poise propels her to gold.[1][2]
About the Organizations Mentioned
X Games
**X Games** is the premier global platform for action sports competitions, blending high-stakes events in skateboarding, BMX, snowboarding, skiing, and freestyle motocross (Moto X) with music, culture, and fan experiences.[6][3] Originally founded by ESPN in 1995, it evolved into a cultural phenomenon, defining milestones like Tony Hawk's 900 and Shaun White's halfpipe dominance over three decades.[4][6] Acquired by private equity firm MSP Sports Capital in late 2022—co-founded by Jahm Najafi and Jeff Moorad—the organization continues airing on ESPN and ABC while expanding under new ownership.[6] Key achievements include annual events worldwide, such as Aspen's winter series since 2002 (now in its 25th year, January 23–25, 2026, at Buttermilk Mountain) and global championships like the 2002 X Games Global Championship.[4][7][6] It has hosted in cities from Barcelona to Foz do Iguaçu, fostering sports progression and community.[6] Currently, X Games is launching the **MoonPay X Games League (XGL)** in summer 2026 as its professional team-based arm, reimagining action sports with year-round rivalries.[1][2][3] The inaugural summer season features four city-based **X Games Clubs**—Los Angeles (GM Bob Burnquist), New York, São Paulo, and Tokyo—each drafting 10 elite athletes (five men, five women) via a March 12, 2026, snake-style draft in Los Angeles.[1][2] Kicking off June 26–28 in Sacramento, the season includes three stops for skateboarding and BMX point accumulation toward a championship; winter clubs (snowboard/ski) follow in 2027.[2][5] Moto X remains event-exclusive.[2] Notable aspects include robust partnerships (e.g., Jeep, technology/lifestyl
