Eileen Gu Expresses Disappointment with FIS Over 2026 Winter Olympics Schedule

Eileen Gu's Schedule Concerns

• ⚠️ Olympian Eileen Gu voiced her disappointment with the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) regarding the tight 2026 Winter Olympics schedule.
• 🎯 She stated that the schedule prevents her from getting proper training sessions for a freeski event, specifically the halfpipe.
• 🗓️ The conflict arises because the Big Air final is scheduled for Monday, which she says will hinder her practice for the halfpipe qualifying round on Thursday.

Criticism of FIS

• 💬 Gu believes the Olympics should "epitomize aspiration" and celebrate extraordinary achievements rather than punishing them.
• 🔥 She characterized the situation as "punishing excellence" because her decision to compete in three events is made impossible by the unfair training schedule for the third event.

Seeking Fair Practice

• 🤝 Gu clarified that she was not seeking special treatment, but rather the same amount of practice time as her competitors.
• 💡 She attempted to compromise by joining snowboarders' training on the halfpipe, but FIS declined.
• 🚫 FIS informed her that changes could not be made as it would not be fair to other competitors.

FIS Response and Context

• 🗣️ FIS spokesman Bruno Sassi stated that "every effort has been made" to facilitate training, noting an increase to three training sessions before qualifying.
• 🧩 Sassi acknowledged that for athletes competing in multiple disciplines or events, conflicts can sometimes be inevitable.

Athlete Background & Event Details

• 🇨🇳 Gu, who was born in the U.S. but represents China, has not skied in a halfpipe event since December or big air since her 2022 Beijing Games gold.
• 🚨 The halfpipe event is considered more dangerous than her other two disciplines.
• 🥈 She had already secured a silver medal in slopestyle earlier in the week at the games.