Mathilde Gremaud Wins Olympic Slopestyle Gold Again

Mathilde Gremaud has won the gold medal in the women's slopestyle skiing event at the Winter Olympics. She beat Eileen Gu, who was trying to win again. This was a close competition between the two top skiers.
By Newsroom | Sports, Winter Olympics |

Tension Mounts as Rivalry Culminates in Milan-Cortina

The women's freestyle skiing slopestyle event at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics reached a dramatic conclusion as Mathilde Gremaud of Switzerland claimed the gold medal. The victory, secured on her final run, prevented Eileen Gu of China from adding another Olympic title to her collection. The competition, described as a "thrilling Beijing rematch," underscored the intense rivalry between the two athletes. Swiss fans celebrated Gremaud's win, with the athlete herself embracing the moment by donning a Swiss flag as a cape on her victory lap.

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Context: A Rivalry Forged on the Slopes

The path to this Olympic gold was marked by intense competition and personal journeys for both athletes.

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  • Mathilde Gremaud: The reigning Olympic champion, Gremaud, had spoken about her ongoing journey of self-discovery and the importance of her passion for skiing in overcoming personal challenges, including grief and anxiety. She has focused on protecting her mental health while aiming for peak performance. Gremaud also secured a bronze medal in the big air event in Beijing and was competing in that discipline again in Italy. Her recent success includes retaining her slopestyle title at the 2025 Freeski World Championships on home snow in St. Moritz.

  • Eileen Gu: Gu entered the slopestyle final with strong performances, including a notable score on her first run. She was aiming to defend her title and add to her Olympic achievements, with her focus also set on defending her Olympic titles in big air and halfpipe. Gu had previously been denied a third gold medal at the Beijing Games by Gremaud.

Evidence of the Competition

The slopestyle final unfolded with both athletes demonstrating high-level performances, marked by critical moments.

Read More: Italian Athletes Do Well at Home in Winter Olympics

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  • Gremaud's Victory Lap: After Gu's final run, which ended with a fall on the first rail, Gremaud's gold was confirmed. She celebrated by wrapping herself in a Swiss flag and skiing down the course.

  • Gu's Final Run: Gu needed a substantial score on her last attempt to overtake Gremaud. However, she lost her balance on the first rail, which concluded her medal hopes for gold in this event.

  • Scores and Placements:

  • Gremaud secured gold with a best score of 86.96.

  • Gu took silver with a best score of 86.58.

  • Megan Oldham of Canada earned a bronze medal, having improved her score throughout the competition.

Deep Dives

The Decisive Final Runs

The outcome of the women's slopestyle final hinged on the athletes' final runs, particularly Gremaud's strategy as the last competitor to go. Gremaud, having finished first in qualification, had the advantage of going last. Eileen Gu posted an impressive 86.58 on her first run, signaling her strong intent. However, errors in subsequent runs, including a fall on the first rail during her final attempt, ultimately cost her the gold. Gremaud's own final run was sufficient to maintain her lead, confirming her status as the Olympic champion.

Read More: Finnish Ski Jumping Coach Sent Home From Olympics For Alcohol Issue

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Rivalry and Performance Under Pressure

The dynamic between Gremaud and Gu is a significant narrative within the sport. Their previous encounters, including the Beijing Olympics where Gremaud denied Gu a third gold, set the stage for this Milan-Cortina showdown. Both athletes have spoken about the pressure of performing at the highest level, with Gremaud emphasizing her journey of self-trust and Gu facing expectations as a multi-Olympic champion. The event highlighted their ability to deliver strong performances even when facing intense scrutiny and direct competition.

Personal Journeys Beyond the Slopes

Both athletes have shared insights into their experiences beyond the competitive arena. Gremaud has been open about periods of grief and anxiety, finding solace and motivation in her passion for skiing. Her focus on mental well-being has been a key aspect of her return to top form. This introspection appears to have contributed to her ability to perform under pressure and secure another Olympic title.

Expert Analysis

  • “Gremaud’s victory is a testament to her consistent performance and mental fortitude. To defend an Olympic title, especially against a rival as formidable as Gu, requires immense resilience.” – Olympics.com (Report on the event)

  • “The slopestyle final showcased the evolving skill set in women's freeskiing. Gu’s first run demonstrated the incredible level she’s capable of, but a single mistake on a rail can be costly at this level.” – The Guardian (Live coverage analysis)

Conclusion: A Champion Defends Her Title

Mathilde Gremaud has successfully defended her Olympic freeski slopestyle title, securing a second consecutive gold medal in the event. Her victory, achieved with a score of 86.96, narrowly edged out Eileen Gu, who took silver with 86.58. The final runs proved decisive, with Gu's fall on the first rail of her last attempt preventing her from challenging Gremaud's leading score. This outcome reiterates the close contest between the two athletes on the Olympic stage.

Sources Used

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who won the women's slopestyle skiing gold medal?
Mathilde Gremaud from Switzerland won the gold medal. She scored 86.96 points.
Q: Who came in second place?
Eileen Gu from China won the silver medal. She scored 86.58 points.
Q: What happened on Eileen Gu's last run?
Eileen Gu fell on the first rail during her final run, which stopped her from getting a higher score.