Eileen Gu, a 22-year-old ski competitor representing China, captured her third Olympic gold medal in the women's freeski halfpipe event, contributing to China's significant presence in the sport during these Olympics, with teammate Fanghui Li finishing in second place and Great Britain's Zoe Atkin securing third. Gu's remarkable achievements have not only brought her athletic accolades but have also spotlighted her as a prominent figure in the Olympics due to her unique background and impressive financial success.

Notably, Gu has been recognized by Forbes as the highest-earning athlete of the Olympics, having earned over 19 million euros last year, outpacing well-known NHL stars like Auston Matthews and Connor McDavid. Her income, however, stems largely from sponsorship deals, as she reportedly earned only about 80,000 euros in prize money, marking just a fraction of her overall earnings. This focus on sponsorships highlights the evolving financial landscape for female athletes, particularly in high-profile sports.

Additionally, while Gu celebrated her Olympic victory, she encountered personal hardship as she received sad news shortly after her win, adding a complex layer to her Olympic experience. As Gu continues to gain recognition in both sports and business, her story reflects the challenges and pressures faced by young athletes in the media spotlight, particularly women.