Fuming Winter Olympics star calls out unfairness – ‘What kind of message does this send?’
Organisers at the Milan and Cortina Winter Olympics have been slammed by one star who is taking part in three different disciplines, having seen her request rejected
One Winter Olympian has hit out at games organisers(Image: Getty)
Winter Olympics champion Eileen Gu has hit out at organisers after they rejected her request for equal practice time with her rivals. Gu, representing China at the Milan and Cortina event, was asking for time to prepare for the halfpipe, her third and final competition.
The 22-year-old has entered all three free-skiing disciplines, making her the only woman to do so at this year’s Games. Gu is also taking part in the big air and has already secured a silver medal in the slopestyle, whilst also setting her sights on a podium finish in the halfpipe.
The big air final is set to take place on Monday, which clashes with the practice session available for the halfpipe Gu would want to attend. Due to the scheduling clash, Gu approached the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) for assistance but was unsuccessful.
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Now, Gu has released her own statement voicing her frustration at the lack of support from the FIS. She said to her 2.2million followers: “First Big Air contest in four years and we’re into finals.
“Unfortunately, [FIS] has scheduled big air finals and pipe training with 100% overlap. This means I’ll now be missing an entire day of pipe training.
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“I have asked for fair options like joining one training with the snowboarders, or getting even one hour alone to train, but to no avail.
“No other woman in the halfpipe field is competing in another event, and for good reason – Halfpipe is different from slope and big air, and demands its own training time accordingly.
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“The Olympics is the stage upon which miracles materialise and the impossible ceases to be so right before our very eyes. It inspires both athletes and sports lovers to dream big and break limits.
“This decision is disappointing to me because it seems to contradict the spirit of the games. Daring to be the only woman to compete in three events should not be penalised.
“Making finals in one event should not disadvantage me in another. What kind of message does this send to future athletes who love skiing for its essence and want to compete in every event?
“This was a totally avoidable issue and I am saddened by the hardline stance FIS has chosen to take. With that said, I am proud of myself for being willing to give big air my best shot.
“I am looking forward to competing tomorrow night under the lights with this incredible field of women.”
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