Eileen Gu shuts down retirement talk after 2026 Winter Olympics gold, reveals future plans despite China decision backlash (Image via Getty)
Eileen Gu has made one thing very clear after her latest gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics, she is not done yet. The 22-year-old freestyle skier shut down any talk about retirement right after her strong performance in Milan-Cortina.
She won gold in women’s halfpipe and added two silvers in big air and slopestyle. Speaking to Esquire, Gu said she still feels she has more to give and could even compete in one or two more Olympics.
Eileen Gu confirms no retirement plans after Milan Cortina Winter Olympics gold and sets future goals
Eileen Gu’s latest Olympic run showed she is still at the top of her game. At the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, she once again proved why she is one of the biggest names in freestyle skiing. She walked away with one gold medal in halfpipe and two silver medals in big air and slopestyle.
This adds to her earlier Olympic success from Beijing 2022, where she won two golds and one silver.But instead of slowing down, Gu is thinking ahead.“I feel like I have more sport in me. I can probably do another Olympics, maybe two,” she told Esquire.She also spoke about how she sees herself, not just as an athlete but as a person finding her own path.“I don’t know what my job title is, I guess it’s just Eileen. I didn’t fit into a pond, so I made my own.
I’m not a big fish in a small pond, and I’m not a small fish in a big pond. I’m just the only fish in my own pond.”Before every run, Gu carefully imagines every move.“I go through multiple registers, fast motion, slow motion, the feeling of g-forces shifting on my body,” she said. “And then different viewpoints: my POV, a drone follow-cam, sometimes a top-down view.”
Eileen Gu nationality switch to China criticism, JD Vance reaction and global spotlight after Olympic success
Eileen Gu’s journey has not been without debate. She was born in San Francisco but chose to represent China at just 15 years old.
This decision brought a lot of attention and criticism.Even JD Vance openly said he would not support her during the Games.Still, Gu has explained her choice many times. She spent many summers in China growing up and feels connected to both cultures. Reports have also claimed she received around $6.6 million for switching nationality, though this has remained a talking point rather than a confirmed official detail.Despite the noise, Gu has stayed focused on her sport. Her performances continue to speak louder than the criticism. Off the snow, she is also becoming a global icon. After winning her latest gold, she was seen at Milan Fashion Week, showing her reach goes beyond skiing. Looking ahead, the next big stage could be the 2030 Winter Olympics in France. And if her words are anything to go by, Eileen Gu plans to be there.
