During the closing day of the 2026 Winter Olympics held in Milano Cortina, Eileen Gu captured her third gold medal, but the victory was overshadowed by personal grief as she announced the passing of her beloved grandmother shortly before her press conference. Gu expressed deep emotional pain, stating that her grandmother had a profound impact on her life, referring to her as someone who was immensely inspiring and influential. Despite knowing her grandmother's health was declining, Gu revealed that the news hit her hard in contrast to her Olympic achievement.

In addition to Gu's poignant news, the final day of the Games also celebrated Sweden's curling team, which playfully referred to themselves as a 'circus' team. Their victory marked a highlight of the closing ceremony, showcasing the light-hearted and competitive spirit that characterized their performances throughout the events. The combination of pride in athletic accomplishments with the emotional narrative of loss provided a relatable and touching end to the Olympic Games.

The Milano Cortina Games concluded with a mixture of triumph and sorrow, as athletes like Gu balance personal challenges with sporting glory on such a significant international stage. The emotional journeys shared by competitors not only highlight individual hardship but also resonate with fans and audiences worldwide, reminding us that the Olympics are about more than just medals; they entail personal stories, motivations, and losses that make each athlete's journey unique and deeply human.