Eileen Gu Honored as Grand Marshal for San Francisco Chinese New Year Parade

Olympic gold medalist reflects on decision to compete for China over Team USA

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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Eileen Gu, the American-born Olympic skier who chose to represent Team China at the Winter Games, was honored as the grand marshal for the Chinese New Year parade in San Francisco on Saturday. Gu expressed gratitude for the opportunity and reflected on her decision to compete for China, acknowledging that some people "don't understand" her choice but insisting it allowed her to have the greatest positive impact on the global stage.

Why it matters

Gu's decision to compete for China over the United States, the country she was born in, was controversial and drew significant criticism. Her role as grand marshal of the San Francisco parade highlights her continued prominence and influence, especially within the Chinese-American community.

The details

Gu, a three-time Olympic gold medalist, served as the grand marshal for the Chinese New Year parade in San Francisco on Saturday. In an interview before the festivities, she expressed how special the honor was and recalled attending the parade with her family when she was younger. Gu said her biggest goal has been "making the greatest amount of positive impact on the global stage" through her pursuits in sports, fashion, and education.

  • Gu was the grand marshal for the parade on Saturday, March 8, 2026.
  • Gu competed for Team China at the 2022 Winter Olympics.

The players

Eileen Gu

An American-born Olympic skier who chose to represent Team China at the Winter Games, winning three gold medals.

Team China

The national sports team that Eileen Gu chose to compete for, rather than representing Team USA, the United States national team.

Team USA

The national sports team that Eileen Gu was born into and could have competed for, but instead chose to represent Team China.

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What they’re saying

“This is a special thing to be grand marshal, and be part of it.”

— Eileen Gu (KGO-TV)

“My biggest goal has always been making the greatest amount of positive impact on the global stage that I possibly can. At this moment in time, that takes the form of sport, fashion and education.”

— Eileen Gu (KGO-TV)

“A lot of people won't understand or believe that I made a decision to create the greatest amount of positive impact on the world stage that I could, at this age, given my interests and passions. Three golds and six medals later, I can confidently say what was once a dream is now a reality.”

— Eileen Gu (Instagram)

The takeaway

Eileen Gu's decision to compete for China over the United States, the country she was born in, sparked significant controversy. However, her role as grand marshal of the San Francisco Chinese New Year parade demonstrates her continued prominence and influence, especially within the Chinese-American community, as she pursues her goal of making a positive global impact through sports, fashion, and education.