Controversial Olympian Eileen Gu upset over 'really unfair' Winter Games schedule

Controversial Olympic star Eileen Gu lodged a complaint about her packed schedule that she said will keep her from properly practicing for an upcoming event. Olympics Controversial Olympian Eileen Gu upset over 'really unfair' Winter Games schedule Gu already picked up a silver in the Olympics By Ryan Gaydos Fox News Published February 15, 2026 11:28am EST Facebook Twitter Threads Flipboard Comments Print Email Add Fox News on Google close Video Fox News Flash top sports headlines for February 15 Fox News Flash top sports headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on FoxNews.com. NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Controversial Olympic athlete Eileen Gu called out the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) over the tight Olympic schedule she has, which she said will prevent her from getting in the proper training sessions she needs for a freeski event. Gu, who is representing China during the 2026 Winter Olympics, made her thoughts known after she clinched a spot in the big air final, which takes place Monday. She said competing in the final will take her away from properly practicing for the qualifying round of the halfpipe final, which takes place on Thursday.CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM China's Eileen Gu warms up before the women's freestyle skiing big air qualifications at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Livigno, Italy, Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson) "I’m disappointed in FIS," she said. "I think the Olympics should epitomize aspiration, and I think being able to do something that’s beyond the ordinary should be celebrated instead of punished." Gu said she wasn’t trying to get special treatment, only the same amount of practice time as her competitors. She said she tried to compromise, including joining the snowboarders’ training on the halfpipe. She said the FIS told her it couldn’t make the change because it wouldn’t be fair to the other competitors. Gu already won silver in slopestyle earlier this week. China's Eileen Gu waits for her score as she competes in the women's freestyle skiing big air qualifications at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Livigno, Italy, Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)CANADIAN OLYMPIC CURLER CALLED FOR SAME VIOLATION THAT IGNITED CONTROVERSY ON MEN'S SIDE "I think it’s really unfair. I think it’s punishing excellence, to be completely honest with you," Gu added. "Because I dare to do three events, and this is making it completely impossible to train fairly for the third event."FIS scheduled three training sessions before qualifying – an increase from two for a typical World Cup event. The organization’s spokesman, Bruno Sassi, said "every effort has been made to facilitate the best possible training" for the athletes.Read More About The 2026 Winter OlympicsWHAT TO KNOW ABOUT THE WINTER OLYMPICSTEAM USA STARS TO KNOWMEET THE 2026 US OLYMPIC MEDALISTS "But as we have already seen at these Games, for athletes who choose to compete in multiple disciplines and/or multiple events, conflicts can sometimes be inevitable," he said. Gu, who was born in the U.S. but chose to compete for China, hasn’t skied in a halfpipe event since December and hasn’t competed in big air since winning the gold in the 2022 Beijing Games. The halfpipe event is a bit more dangerous than the other two. Eileen Gu of China reacts after her first jump in the women's freestyle skiing big air qualification during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Livigno Snow Park on Feb. 14, 2026. (Joe Camporeale/Imagn Images)CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APPGu will have the big air final on Monday, followed by the halfpipe qualifiers on Thursday, with the final coming Saturday. The Associated Press contributed to this report.Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter. Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital. Related Topics OlympicsSportsChina Fox News First Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox. Arrives Weekdays By entering your email and clicking the Subscribe button, you agree to the Fox News Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, and agree to receive content and promotional communications from Fox News. You understand that you can opt-out at any time. Subscribe Subscribed Subscribe You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter!