Eileen Gu, the celebrated Olympic freestyle skier, significantly expanded her impressive career at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics. Now aged 22, she secured two silver medals and one gold, bringing her total Olympic medal count to six, and solidifying her status as the most decorated freeskier of all time. This achievement comes after a period of intense training while also managing her studies at Stanford University, where she is pursuing international relations.
Beyond her athletic prowess, Gu is also a prominent figure in the business and fashion worlds. In 2025, she was reported to be one of the highest-paid female athletes globally, bringing in an estimated $23.1 million. This diverse portfolio includes lucrative brand deals and a successful modeling career with IMG, showcasing her ability to seamlessly merge sports, academics, and commercial ventures.
Gu's influence extends to inspiring wider participation in winter sports, particularly among women and in China, her mother's native country. Since the 2022 Beijing Games, the Chinese government reported that approximately 313 million people have taken up ice and snow sports. Gu believes in the concept that "a rising tide raises all boats," advocating for increased visibility in sports to benefit all athletes. She has often expressed that her greatest achievement lies in contributing to the growth of the sport rather than solely on her individual medals.
Despite her success, Gu has faced scrutiny, particularly regarding her decision to represent China. However, she consistently emphasizes the positive impact she feels she can achieve on a global scale through this choice, pointing to the significant growth in snow sports participation in China. She encourages critics to channel their energy into making their own positive contributions to the world.
Gu's record-breaking career and multifaceted commitments highlight her commitment to personal growth and societal impact. She advises women and younger generations to "create your own pond" rather than trying to be a small fish in a large one, emphasizing proactive career development. Her continued juggling of sports, academics, and endorsements demonstrates a strategic and ambitious approach to her career at a young age.
