Gu Ailing Sheds Tears at Press Conference After Learning of Grandmother’s Passing Post-Championship Victory

On Sunday (February 22), Chinese star Gu Ailing successfully defended her title in the women’s freestyle skiing halfpipe at the Milan–Cortina Winter Olympics. At the post-competition press conference, she revealed that she had just received news of her grandmother’s passing. When talking about this sudden turn of events, she was moved to tears at the scene.

According to Xinhua News Agency, near the end of the press conference, Gu Ailing took the initiative to tell reporters that she wanted to add a few words. She apologized to the media for being late and explained, “The reason I am late is because I just learned that my grandmother passed away.” At this point, Gu Ailing began to choke up.

Gu Ailing said her grandmother played an extremely important role in her upbringing and was always a role model she admired. “She was very strong, a warrior,” she recalled. “Many people just go along with life, but not her. She was like a ship, steering her own life and turning her existence into what she wanted it to be.”

She also said that before participating in this Winter Olympics, she visited her ailing grandmother. “I knew that (her passing) was a possibility.” “I didn’t promise her that I would definitely win a gold medal, but I promised her that I would be brave, just like her.”

Gu Ailing also said that her repeated mentions of “believing in oneself,” “daring to take risks,” and “betting on oneself” during these Olympics were all related to that promise. “That kind of bravery actually comes from the promise I made to her.”
At this Winter Olympics, Gu Ailing competed in three events: women’s slopestyle, big air, and halfpipe in freestyle skiing, ultimately earning one gold and two silvers.