Eileen Gu Pivots to Modeling After Olympics Success

The Olympic freestyle skier stays in Milan for Fashion Week after winning medals in Beijing.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

Olympic freestyle skier Eileen Gu, who secured two silvers and a gold at the 2026 Winter Games, has stayed in Milan after the Olympics ended to attend Milan Fashion Week. Gu, who is signed with IMG, has modeled for numerous high-profile brands and publications and sees fashion as another creative outlet alongside her skiing career.

Why it matters

Gu's decision to represent China at the Olympics despite growing up in the U.S. has made her a controversial figure, but her success on the slopes and in the modeling world has cemented her status as a global superstar. Her ability to balance her athletic and fashion careers highlights the multifaceted nature of modern celebrity.

The details

After the 2026 Winter Olympics ended on February 22, Gu remained in Milan to attend Fashion Week, which runs from February 24 to March 2. The 22-year-old skier, who has modeled for brands like Louis Vuitton, Victoria's Secret, and Tiffany & Co., sees fashion as another creative outlet that complements her athletic pursuits. Gu has already appeared on the covers of several Chinese fashion magazines.

  • The 2026 Winter Olympics ended on February 22.
  • Milan Fashion Week runs from February 24 to March 2.

The players

Eileen Gu

A 22-year-old Olympic freestyle skier who won two silvers and a gold medal at the 2026 Winter Games. She is also a successful model, having worked with high-profile brands and publications.

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What they’re saying

“It's fashion week in Milan. I have the other job, the other fashion thing. I'm really excited to just explore some other avenues, be creative, and explore my femininity through fashion, which is something I've always loved, and to kind of put that in juxtaposition with skiing and with sports.”

— Eileen Gu (France24)

The takeaway

Eileen Gu's ability to balance her successful athletic career with her burgeoning modeling work highlights the multifaceted nature of modern celebrity. Her decision to represent China at the Olympics despite her American upbringing has made her a controversial figure, but her talent and versatility have cemented her status as a global superstar.