Eileen Gu once shared that her confidence did not come from pressure to win, but from the way she was taught to think.
Much of that, she said, came from her grandmother, Feng Guozhen, affectionately known as Grandma Feng, whose presence played a defining role in shaping her mindset both on and off the slopes.
Although Grandma Feng passed away in February, her words remain deeply rooted in Gu’s journey, not just as an athlete, but as a person. Among the many memories she holds close is a simple conversation that has since come to reflect the foundation of her resilience.
At the time, Gu had told her grandmother that her collarbone was broken.
“Broken? I’ve never broken mine exercising. Do not frown all day. Stay optimistic," Grandma Feng replied.
It was not a response filled with worry, but one grounded in perspective. To her grandmother, optimism was not just encouragement, but a way of living.
“Be positive. Be happy. That is your spirit. No matter how difficult things are, learn to solve problems on your own," she said.
The advice did not come with pressure, but with quiet certainty. It was about building strength from within, learning to face challenges independently, and trusting one’s ability to move forward.
There was also belief, simple and unwavering.
“My granddaughter is like me. A fighter,” she once said, a reflection not just of pride, but of recognition.
Even when it came to the Olympics, the message remained consistent. When asked if she should cheer from the sidelines, Grandma Feng’s response was clear, “Cheer for yourself.”
And perhaps the most defining of all was the reminder she left behind, one that continues to echo through Gu’s journey today.
“Always be self-reliant. Be number one, not number two.”
In many ways, it is a reminder that behind every achievement, there are voices that shape how success is understood, not just in medals or milestones, but in mindset, resilience, and the courage to keep going.
Eileen Gu is a historic freestyle skiing prodigy who became the most decorated freeskier in Olympic history following the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Competing for China, she achieved a record-setting three medals at the 2022 Beijing Games (two gold, one silver) as the youngest freestyle champion. She is also a World Champion and multiple-time X Games champion.