The 21-year-old has gone from family ski trips to becoming a city flag bearer and competing in the women’s slalom at the highest level.

The 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics have brought together thousands of elite athletes, all chasing a place on the podium. While medals are the most visible reward, financial incentives also play a significant role for competitors from certain countries, where governments and sporting bodies offer substantial payouts for podium finishes.

The 2026 Winter Olympics have multiple free viewing options around the world, but here are four key ones to note in the UK, Canada, Australia and Ireland. Limited Milano Cortina coverage is available free on the BBC as alluded to previously, but Discovery+ is where you will want to go for every minute of every sport live.

Eileen Gu soared to victory in the women's freeski halfpipe final on Sunday to end her wait for a gold medal at the Milan-Cortina Olympics, becoming the most decorated freestyle skier in the history of the Winter Games.

Team USA's Olympic gold payout may surprise you - especially compared to the nearly $800K offered elsewhere.

We spotlight all the spectacular figure skating costumes at the 2026 Winter Olympics, featuring ice skaters like Alysa Liu and Madison Chock.