Winter Olympics champion Eileen Gu has shared heartbreaking news just hours after winning gold at the 2026 Winter Games.
The 22-year-old freestyle skier revealed that her grandmother passed away, posting a touching tribute on Instagram that quickly moved fans around the world.
“Because I promised her I would be brave like her ??️,” Gu wrote alongside a carousel of photos of her grandmother, Feng Guozhen, also known as “Nai Nai.”
The photos showed tender moments between them, including a hospital visit and a powerful image of Gu and her grandmother wearing Gu’s Olympic medals together.
"The reason I was late is that I just found out that my grandma passed away. She was a really big part of my life growing up and someone I looked up to immensely."-???China's Gu Ailing after clinching her 2nd straight freeski halfpipe gold?at the #Olympics#MilanoCortina2026 pic.twitter.com/6iK0MMT5tK
— CGTN Sports Scene (@CGTNSportsScene) February 22, 2026Gu’s post came after she defended her women’s halfpipe gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy, becoming the most decorated freeskier in Olympic history, male or female.
View this post on InstagramAt a press conference on Sunday, Gu arrived late and apologized before sharing the reason.
“The reason I was late is that I just found out that my grandma passed away,” she said, fighting back tears. “She was a really big part of my life growing up and someone I looked up to immensely. She was a fighter.”
Gu had just taken gold in her final event at Livigno Snow Park. Her teammate Li Fanghui earned silver, while Great Britain’s Zoe Atkin took bronze. The victory marked Gu’s third Olympic gold medal and her sixth Olympic medal overall, setting a historic record in freestyle skiing.
But behind the celebration was deep sadness.
Gu explained that her grandmother had been very sick before she left for the Games. “I didn’t promise her that I was going to win,” she said. “But I did promise her that I was going to be brave like she has been brave.”
That promise became her focus throughout the competition.
“That’s why I keep referring to this theme of betting on myself and being brave and taking risks,” she added. “It actually goes back to that promise that I made my grandma.”
Even in her grief, Gu spoke with pride about honoring that promise. “I’m really happy that I was able to uphold that and hopefully do her proud. But it’s also a really difficult time for me now.”
Gu has often credited her mother and grandmother as the two strongest influences in her life. Raised in San Francisco in a bilingual household, she grew up surrounded by a powerful matriarchy.
Her grandmother, Feng Guozhen, was a former senior engineer in China who moved to the United States to help raise her. She played a key role in teaching Gu Mandarin and keeping her connected to her Chinese heritage.
Her emotional tribute also drew support from fellow Olympian Lindsey Vonn, who commented on Gu’s post, “Grandmas are so special. I’m so sorry.”
Gu’s Olympic journey has included record-breaking achievements, public scrutiny and global attention. Born in the United States and competing for China since 2019, she has often spoken about embracing both sides of her identity. Through it all, she has leaned on the strength of the women who raised her.
Now, as she celebrates historic success on the snow, she is also mourning a woman who helped shape her path.
Related: Steve Jobs' Daughter Has One Word for Eileen Gu Amid Winter Olympics
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