Eileen Gu qualifies for Olympic slopestyle final: Inside Chinese freestyle ski star’s career, endorsements with Victoria’s Secret, balancing Stanford studies and records

Eileen Gu has become one of the most unique athletes of her generation. At just 22 years of age, she is already an Olympic champion, a university student and a global celebrity. The freestyle skiing star competes for China but was born in the United States and raised by her Chinese mother.

Her success at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics turned her into a household name across China and the wider sports world.Gu arrived at the 2026 Winter Olympics carrying major expectations. After a shaky start in her first run, she survived a scary fall to qualify for the Olympic slopestyle final on Monday in her second run. She won two gold medals in big air and halfpipe and a silver in slopestyle four years ago. Since then, she has dominated the World Cup circuit and collected more victories than any women’s freestyle skier.

Away from competition, she studies international relations at Stanford University and works with top fashion brands around the world.

Eileen Gu: A global star on and off the slopes

Eileen Gu’s influence goes far beyond sport. According to reports by Sportico, she earned about $23 million in 2025, making her the highest-paid Winter Olympics athlete. Her endorsement deals include Red Bull, Tiffany, Porsche, Anta Sports, Mengniu Dairy and Luckin Coffee. She also models for major fashion houses such as Louis Vuitton and Victoria’s Secret and has appeared in the Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition.

Her decision to compete for China in 2019 drew worldwide attention. She spent childhood summers in Beijing and feels connected to both cultures. However, she has not publicly discussed her citizenship status despite ongoing questions, as China does not usually allow dual nationality.On the slopes, Gu’s skill is unquestioned. She famously landed a double cork 1620 during her big air gold medal performance in Beijing. She now owns 20 World Cup wins and recently captured the inaugural Snow League event created by Shaun White. Her Milan connection also excites her. She once described the city as special because of fashion week experiences held in a scenic villa connected to Leonardo da Vinci’s famous painting.Before the Games, Gu explained to the Olympics' official website that she feels no extra pressure. She said she is not trying to defend anything and simply wants to compete like everyone else and give her best effort to see the outcome.