She who dares, wins: Composed Gu is ready to go

With the start of the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics imminent, two-time Olympic champion freeskier Gu Ailing is once again preparing to step onto the world's biggest winter sports stage, this time guided as much by restraint as ambition.

Now 22, the women's freestyle skiing superstar returns to the spotlight four years after her breakout performance at Beijing 2022. Gu has accumulated 20 World Cup gold medals to date, yet she remains grounded in her assessment of competition. "My biggest opponent has always been myself," she said.

As the Olympic cycle unfolded, international competition intensified with athletes pushing trick difficulty to new extremes. Gu, however, chose to take a more measured path. In training, she continues to refine new grab techniques and technical details, prioritizing consistency and execution over headline-grabbing risk.

"Recently, especially in the halfpipe, even in training, I might be skiing the best I ever have in my life," she said.

That confidence follows a year marked by physical setbacks. Despite repeated injuries, Gu increased her focus on strength training. "My muscle strength is much greater now — I can lift twice as much weight as before. I feel more powerful overall."

Experience — and injury — have reshaped her approach to risk. Known earlier in her career for pushing through pain, Gu now emphasizes longevity and safety.

"Before, I definitely would have pushed through, no matter what. Now I've learned how to pause," she said. Reflecting on a string of recent injuries, she added: "During the Milan Olympic cycle, the goal needed to shift a bit — just being able to stand on the competition stage is already a victory."

Gu described 2025 as the most challenging year of her career, citing both injuries and online abuse.

To manage emotional strain, she adopted a simple but deliberate routine. "I set a five-minute timer on my phone just to cry. After five minutes, all the pressure is completely released," she said. Once composed, she returns to analysis and problem solving.

"When difficulties arise, I choose to face them head-on rather than avoid them."

That resolve was tested on Dec 13, at the FIS Freeski Halfpipe World Cup series' Chongli leg in Zhangjiakou, Hebei province. After heavy snowfall overnight left conditions unstable, Gu briefly considered withdrawing.

"It snowed heavily the night before, and I felt I might not be able to complete my ideal run," she recalled. She ultimately chose to compete. "Because you just have to dare. You can't be afraid of losing."

After trailing in the first round, Gu staged a comeback to claim her 20th World Cup title. Afterward, she reflected: "In skiing competitions, hesitation is the most dangerous thing. Either you don't compete, or once you do, you give it everything."

The principle extends beyond sports: "Train like you've never won, and compete like you've never lost."

Gu's ability to perform under pressure is rooted in intense focus. Asked what she thinks about at the moment of takeoff, she offered an unusual answer.

"I replay my movements from five perspectives — the one I see myself, the angle from the lip of the pipe, the aerial overhead view, the landing angle, and even the angle from where my mom is sitting."

She relies on sensory cues as well. "During competition, I never think about the result. All my attention is on the movement itself," she said, noting that even the sound of wind helps her judge rotation and timing in the air.

Beyond competition results, Gu remains attentive to her broader influence. Since the Beijing Winter Games, skiing participation in China has grown rapidly, particularly in Chongli, where night skiing now draws large crowds.

"I don't want to be everyone's idol — I'd rather be their friend. I hope more people will step onto the slopes themselves and experience the joy of winter sports."

She also sees herself as a bridge between cultures. "Many of my foreign friends have started learning Chinese, eating dumplings during Spring Festival and finding Chinese culture fascinating. I want more people to see how wonderful Chinese culture is."

As preparations continue, Gu keeps her focus firmly on the present. "Every day, every second, I'm preparing. I don't live for a future milestone — I focus on the present and do what I'm doing well," she said.

She acknowledges the challenges ahead — injuries, age and mounting competition — but her definition of success has evolved. "If I can enjoy every moment, then no matter what result I achieve in Milan, I'll gain so much from the journey — growing into a better skier and becoming a better version of myself.

"I hope what I represent can help more girls see that winter sports belong to them too, and allow the world to see a part of China."

As Gu prepares for Milan, the story she carries into the halfpipe is no longer only about medals. It is about discipline, balance and growth — and the pursuit of a single, perfectly executed run — one judged not only by scores, but by control and composure.

Qin Haotian contributed to this story.