In a breathtaking display of resilience and skill, Eileen Gu proved once again why she’s a force to be reckoned with in the world of freestyle skiing. Despite a heart-stopping crash during her second run, the two-time Olympic champion clinched her second consecutive slopestyle title at the Laax Open in Switzerland on Saturday. But here’s where it gets even more impressive: Gu had already secured victory before her daring attempt at a double cork 1080—a jaw-dropping maneuver involving two head-over-heels flips. Though she fell hard on her right side, with equipment flying off, she gracefully skied to the finish line, smiling and unshaken. And this is the part most people miss: Slopestyle is the one event where Gu didn’t claim gold at the 2022 Beijing Games, making her upcoming quest at the Milan Cortina Winter Games next month all the more compelling. Will she finally add slopestyle gold to her already glittering Olympic collection?
Competing for China, the American-born star dominated the competition with a flawless first run, scoring an unbeatable 85.13. Her second run, though marred by the crash, was purely symbolic—nobody could surpass her earlier performance. Meanwhile, Switzerland’s Mathilde Gremaud, who edged out Gu for gold in 2022, finished seventh, leaving fans wondering if the tables are turning. Is Gu’s reign just beginning, or will rivals like Gremaud rise to challenge her?
As the freestyle skiing world shifts its focus to Livigno, Italy—a stunning Alpine venue three hours northeast of Milan—the stage is set for another thrilling showdown. Snowboarding kicks off on February 5, with freestyle skiing following two days later. But the real question remains: Can anyone stop Eileen Gu’s momentum? Or will she continue to redefine the limits of her sport? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—do you think Gu’s slopestyle gold is inevitable, or is there room for an upset?
