Eileen Gu stands at the intersection of athletic glory and the murky waters of ethical criticism as she prepares for the 2026 Winter Olympics under China’s banner.
At a Glance
- Eileen Gu, born in the U.S., represents China in international competitions.
- She is a 3-time Olympic medalist and one of the highest-paid female athletes globally.
- Gu faces criticism for endorsing China’s censorship and not addressing its human rights issues.
- Gu is set to appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated’s Swimsuit Edition May 2025.
Eileen Gu: A Rising Star with Controversies
Eileen Gu, a California-born freestyle skier who chose to represent China, has made waves both on and off the slopes. A Stanford physics major, Gu is not just a sports phenomenon; she is a global brand. Her significant achievements at the 2022 Winter Olympics, where she won two golds and one silver, catapulted her into the limelight, making her one of the world’s highest-paid female athletes, with earnings reaching $22.1 million in 2023.
However, her decision to compete for China has been met with mixed reactions. Critics argue that her choice aligns with a nation plagued by human rights abuses. This criticism intensifies with her upcoming participation in the 2026 Winter Olympics, again representing China. The spotlight on Gu was further intensified when she graced the cover of the May 2025 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition, photographed by Ben Horton at The Boca Raton in Florida.
Dilemmas of National Allegiance and Morality
The athlete’s choice to compete for China rather than the U.S.—the nation of her birth—is polarizing. Comedian Bill Maher was among those who took a dig at Gu, questioning her allegiance in a world fraught with ethical questions. “Is that cool now? To choose to represent a totalitarian police state over America?” he questioned. Public discontent has also arisen from Gu’s apparent endorsement of Chinese censorship, with accusations of her supporting inaccurate portrayals of Internet freedoms in China.
“Is that cool now? To choose to represent a totalitarian police state over America?” – Bill Maher.
As Gu maintains her focus on her sporting career, she stands accused of turning a blind eye to human rights issues in China, earning the moniker “Genocide Barbie” among critics. This poignant crossroads underscores how career success in international sports today can’t escape the entanglement with global politics and morality.
Influence Beyond the Slopes
Despite this dual-edged sword of scrutiny and achievement, Gu’s influence is undeniable. Her participation in a traditionally male-dominated sport has broken barriers, inspiring female skiers worldwide. As she commented, “The progression of women’s skiing has just been skyrocketing in the last, you know, five years, 10 years, and it has been so inspiring to first watch it when I was younger and then now be a part of it.” Reflecting on her influence in both sports and fashion, she continues to inspire conversations beyond the slopes she’s renowned for.
Quote: “The progression of women’s skiing has just been skyrocketing in the last, you know, five years, 10 years, and it has been so inspiring to first watch it when I was younger and then now be a part of it.” – Eileen Gu.
As the controversy swirling around Eileen Gu remains intense, her story serves as a potent example of how personal choices in sports reflect broader societal dynamics, challenging notions of nationalism, ethics, and personal responsibility. As Gu heads toward the 2026 Olympics, eyes around the world are watching not just her athletic prowess, but her every move in the complex political arena.
