The winter Olympics have seen many stars come and go. Some won and some lost, but not many are remembered for their excellent performance and empowering speech. Chinese skier Eileen Gu was one who took everyone by surprise after delivering a powerful message during the winter Olympics.
The 22-year-old, who’s studying Quantum Physics at Stanford University, represented China in multiple Olympic categories. Gu became the youngest Olympic champion in freestyle skiing.
She won a gold medal in halfpipe and big air, while she secured a silver in slopestyle. Eileen Gu’s speech will inspire fans and athletes.
“The power of sport is unparalleled. Because it is evidence over affirmation. You don’t tell yourself Oh, I can handle the pressure. Oh! I’m so great! You do it time and again. Sports are really honest because you can’t lie to yourself when you know when you stayed late and other people weren’t there,” Eileen Gu said.
You know when you showed up early and other people weren’t there. You know when you gave a hundred percent in training day in and day out for months. So, it’s not about you know at the last second I tell myself a chipper little line and call it a day,” Eileen Gu continued.
Eileen Gu Tears Up With Grandmother’s Passing After Halfpipe Win
Gu had encouraging words for several athletes around the world. After a great halfpipe victory, she learned about her grandmother’s passing. While many athletes would have had the opportunity and time to celebrate their victory, Gu was greeted with sad news.
“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. She was such a strong… she was a fighter and a what’s so interesting is that a lot of people just cruise through life, but she was a steamship,” Eileen Gu said with teary eyes.
Gu also encouraged more young girls to get into sports because it has the power to build confidence in people. Eileen Gu continued to be a role model to many at the winter Olympics.
