Eileen Gu Transitions from Olympic Glory to Milan Fashion Week Spotlight
While the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina have concluded, freestyle skiing sensation Eileen Gu is not taking a break. Instead, the 22-year-old athlete, who sparked debate by competing for China instead of the United States, has remained in Milan to shift her focus from the slopes to the catwalk. Gu, the most decorated female Olympic freestyle skier, earned a gold medal and two silver medals at the Games, but she is now dedicating her time to what she calls her 'other job' in fashion.
From Skiing Success to Fashion Debut
Gu revealed that she will be in Milan from February 24 to March 2 for the city's prestigious Fashion Week, where she made her runway debut back in 2023. In a statement via AFP, she expressed her excitement about exploring new creative avenues. 'It's Fashion Week in Milan,' Gu said. 'I have the other job, the other fashion thing. I'm really excited to just explore some other avenues, be creative, and explore my femininity through fashion, which is something I've always loved, and to kind of put that in juxtaposition with skiing and with sports. And I think they co-exist so beautifully and so I hope to represent that next week in Milan.'
A Dual Career in Sports and Modeling
Beyond her Olympic achievements, Gu has built a significant presence in the fashion industry. As an IMG-signed model, she has appeared on the covers of Chinese editions of major magazines such as Harper's Bazaar, Elle, Cosmopolitan, GQ, and Vogue. Her portfolio includes campaigns for luxury brands like Fendi, Gucci, Tiffany & Co., and Louis Vuitton, and she is a founding member of the VS collective. Gu has also attended high-profile events, including the Met Gala in 2022 and Paris Fashion Week in 2023.
Her success in modeling has translated into substantial financial gains. According to Forbes, Gu's luxury sponsorships earned her an estimated $23 million last year alone. However, this wealth and fame have intensified scrutiny, particularly in light of her decision to represent China, which has drawn criticism from some in the United States.
Controversy and Criticism Over Nationality Decision
Gu's choice to ski for China has made her a target of vitriol, with critics and former athletes labeling the San Francisco-born skier a 'traitor.' During the Olympics, she admitted to feeling like a 'punching bag' due to the political backlash. In an interview with USA Today, she stated, 'I do feel like a bit of a punching bag for a certain strand of American politics. So many athletes compete for a different country. People only have a problem with me doing it because they kind of lump China into this monolithic entity, and they just hate China. So it's not really about what they think it's about. And also, because I win. Like if I wasn't doing well, I think that they probably wouldn't care as much, and that's OK for me. People are entitled to their opinions.'
Motivations Behind Representing China
Gu has denied that financial incentives influenced her decision to compete for China, despite the potential for lucrative sponsorships from Chinese companies. In a recent interview with TIME Magazine, she explained, 'I'm glad that there's enough money in the sport now for people to think that's a consideration.' Instead, she emphasized her desire to inspire young people, especially girls, in China to take up freestyle skiing, a sport that was not popular in her mother's homeland. 'The US already has the representation,' Gu told TIME. 'I like building my own pond.'
As Gu navigates her dual career, she continues to balance athletic excellence with fashion pursuits, all while facing ongoing public and political scrutiny. Her presence at Milan Fashion Week marks another chapter in her multifaceted journey, showcasing how she blends sports and style on a global stage.
