Feb 9 • 07:50 UTC 🇫🇮 Finland Ilta-Sanomat

Eileen Gu Speaks Out: 'Previously, I Felt I Had to Look Like a Boy'

Freestyle skier Eileen Gu, representing China, is set to be one of the most followed athletes at the Milan-Cortina Olympics, juggling her sports career, studies at Stanford University, and modeling for luxury brands.

Eileen Gu, a 22-year-old freestyle skier, is gaining prominence as one of the leading figures at the upcoming Milan-Cortina Olympics. Competing under China's flag, she has also established herself academically at Stanford University and as a successful model for luxury brands. In the past year alone, Gu garnered nearly 20 million euros from various partnerships, demonstrating her significant influence and marketability in both sport and fashion.

Gu's impact extends beyond her athletic prowess; she actively advocates for the status of women and girls in sports, using her platform to promote equity. Her multifaceted identity as an elite athlete, model, brand ambassador, and even a physics student at Stanford underscores her role as a cultural bridge-builder. Notably, she spent the fall of 2024 as an exchange student at Oxford, broadening her educational experiences amidst her sporting responsibilities.

As she prepares for the Olympics, Gu continues to engage with millions of followers on social media, emphasizing the importance of representation and equality in sports. Her rise to fame is not just about athletic excellence; it's also a powerful narrative about the intersection of sports, education, and social advocacy, positioning her as a role model for many young people, especially women and girls.

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