Flying High: Eileen Gu's Journey to Olympic Glory
Get behind the scenes of Eileen Gu's rise to fame, from controversy to Olympic gold. The incredible story of Eileen Gu, the skiing sensation who's breaking records and boundaries on and off the slopes.
“She's an athlete born once in a generation. She walks the biggest runways, wins Olympic medals...”
Eileen Gu, dubbed 'the traitor' by some, has cemented her status as a freestyle Olympic legend. The 22-year-old skier made history by becoming the most successful athlete in freestyle disciplines at the Winter Olympics, adding to her impressive medal haul from Beijing four years ago.
Gu's remarkable journey continued in Livigno's snowpark, where she showcased her exceptional skills. Building on her previous triumphs, she secured two silver medals in slopestyle and Big Air, before dominating the halfpipe final to claim gold and close out the Games with a stunning performance.
She delivered a breathtaking performance in her third run, soaring about four meters above the snowy channel six times and flawlessly landing every trick, with multiple spins on each jump. The judges were impressed, awarding her an impressive 94.75 out of 100 points, securing her another Olympic gold medal.
Despite her outstanding achievement, the American public's reaction was surprisingly lukewarm, with many not celebrating her victory. This muted response might be attributed to Eileen Gu, the athlete in question, who chose to represent China instead of the United States, sparking controversy among American fans.
At just 15, Eileen Gu made the decision to represent China, her mother's homeland, in international competitions. This choice sparked controversy, particularly among some conservative groups in the US, who've been critical of her decision, labeling her a “traitor.”
The backlash hasn't deterred Gu, who's focused on her skiing career, earning multiple Olympic medals and becoming a household name in China. Her success has also sparked a surge in interest in winter sports among Chinese youth.
“I think someone who grew up in the USA, who benefited from our education system and the freedoms and rights that make this country so great, should want to represent the USA as well,” said U.S. Vice President J. D. Vance to FOX News.
The question on everyone's mind is why a prominent figure would weigh in on a relatively niche Olympic sport. Eileen Gu's story provides some context: she's a US-born skier who chose to represent China, sparking controversy back home.
This decision has made her a target for criticism in the US, with some labeling her a “traitor.” Yet, her impressive Olympic performances have earned her widespread recognition and admiration in China.
Eileen Gu is making waves as one of the biggest celebrities of the Italian Olympics, and Forbes magazine reports she's the highest-earning participant, raking in $23 million in the past year. She's outpaced hockey stars like Connor McDavid and Auston Matthews, and even Lindsey Vonn, who's earned $8 million, is far behind her.
Gu's earnings aren't just from her impressive skiing skills; her endorsement deals with major brands like Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co., Red Bull, and Porsche are a significant contributor. She's also a model, working with IMG Models, and has walked the runway for Victoria's Secret. Her success has made her a global icon, especially in China, where she's incredibly popular.
Eileen Gu's impressive earnings have made headlines, with Forbes reporting she raked in $23.1 million last year, placing her as the fourth highest-paid female athlete globally. She's trailing behind tennis superstars Coco Gauff, Aryna Sabalenka, and Iga Świątek. Notably, American skiing legend Lindsey Vonn lags behind Gu by a significant $15 million.
Gu's earnings aren't just from her skiing prowess; she earned a mere $100,000 in prize money last year. The bulk of her income comes from lucrative endorsement deals with major brands like Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co., Red Bull, and Porsche, showcasing her marketability and influence.
Eileen Gu: The Unstoppable Force in Freestyle Skiing
Eileen Gu is making the most of her marketability, leveraging her massive following to become a key face for major brands in China and the US. She's helping these brands connect with younger audiences, and her influence is undeniable. With her success on the slopes and off, she's a phenomenon with few equals in women's sports worldwide.
Gu's impressive portfolio includes partnerships with top global brands like Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co., Porsche, and Red Bull. She's also a model with IMG agency and a student of international relations at Stanford University, showcasing her versatility and intellect. Legendary snowboarder Shaun White praises her, saying, “She's an athlete born once in a generation. She walks the biggest runways, wins Olympic medals, and studies at Stanford. That's not normal.”
Eileen Gu's life is a wild ride, and her biggest rival, Mathilde Gremaud, isn't exaggerating when she says Gu's life is crazy. But what's even more interesting is that Gu's sporting achievements, impressive as they are, are almost the “normal” part of her story
Gu's life off the slopes is filled with high-stakes decisions, controversy, and a dash of glamour. She's a model, a student at Stanford University, and a global icon, with endorsement deals with major brands like Louis Vuitton and Porsche. She's also made headlines for her decision to represent China, her mother's homeland, in international competitions, sparking debate and criticism.
Eileen Gu's decision to represent China at 15 sparked intense debate, with some in the US labeling her a “traitor” for choosing a communist regime over her birth country. In contrast, Asia welcomed her with open arms, hailing her as a future national hero.
Vice President JD Vance addressed the controversy over Olympic skier Eileen Gu opting to compete for China instead of the US on Tuesday.
— New York Post Sports (@nypostsports) February 18, 2026
Read more: https://t.co/AfTok3wTrd pic.twitter.com/Uohy1b2QZC
Gu's success at the Beijing Olympics cemented her status as a hero in China, where she's incredibly popular. Her decision may have sparked controversy, but it's also opened doors to new opportunities and a massive fanbase.
“I never wanted to be famous. I wanted kids in China to have someone to look up to, just like I had my idols growing up in America. Money wasn't a factor in my decision— I simply wanted to bring the sport closer to young girls,“ she explained.
Seven years after making the switch, Eileen Gu shows no signs of regret, despite the criticism she's faced from some American elites. For her, sport has been a game-changer, opening doors she might never have reached otherwise. And with her international citizenship, she's not tied down – she's got options.
Gu's got a clear passion for skiing, and it's not just about the medals or the fame. “I love it. I could just sit at home and do nothing, but I was born to jump on skis. That's me in my purest form,” she says, revealing her true self. Her love for the thrill of big jumps and the slopes won't let her quit anytime soon.
For Eileen Gu, the thrill of flying down a ski slope is a liberating escape from the hate and criticism she faces. When she's airborne, ten meters above the ground, everyday problems fade away, and all that matters is the rush of the moment. It's her happy place, where she finds freedom and herself.
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