One of the most talked-about names in international winter sport, Eileen Gu, continues to draw global attention — not only for her medals, but for the flag she represents.
Born and raised in San Francisco, the 22-year-old freestyle skiing sensation competes for China, the homeland of her mother, rather than the United States. Gu announced her decision in 2019, saying she hoped to help grow winter sports in China, adding that the US «already has the representation.»
Her citizenship choice quickly became a subject of debate in American media and politics. However, Gu has remained focused on competition — and results.
At the 2022 Winter Olympics, she made history by becoming the first action-sports athlete to win three medals at a single Games: gold in halfpipe and big air, and silver in slopestyle. She is also the all-time leader in Freeski World Cup victories.
Gu is expected to compete in slopestyle, big air and halfpipe at the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics, scheduled for February 6–22 in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo.
With another Olympic appearance ahead, Gu remains both a dominant force on the slopes and a prominent figure in the ongoing conversation about nationality and global sport.
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