Eileen Gu and Caitlin Clark Spark Controversy with Fashion Week Appearance

The American-born Team China skier's decision to compete for China has drawn criticism, while Clark faces her own cultural debates as a rising WNBA star.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Eileen Gu, the American-born skier who competes for Team China, posted an Instagram story of herself sitting next to Caitlin Clark, the elite women's basketball player, at Milan Fashion Week. The photo prompted mixed reactions on social media, with some fans excited to see the two superstars together, while critics expressed disapproval over Gu's decision to compete for China despite growing up in the U.S. Both athletes have been at the center of cultural debates in their respective sports.

Why it matters

Gu's decision to compete for China has been a source of controversy, with some critics accusing her of "betraying" the U.S. Meanwhile, Clark has also faced scrutiny and debates around her race and popularity in the predominantly Black sport of women's basketball. The appearance of these two high-profile athletes together has reignited these ongoing cultural discussions.

The details

Gu posted the Instagram story of herself and Clark sitting in the front row at a Prada fashion show during Milan Fashion Week, just days after Gu won gold at the Winter Olympics. The photo drew a mix of reactions, with some fans celebrating the moment and others criticizing Gu and Clark for the interaction. Gu has faced immense global scrutiny over her decision to compete for China, while Clark has been the target of criticism from some WNBA fans and players over her rapid rise to stardom.

  • Gu posted the Instagram story on Thursday, February 27, 2026.
  • Gu won gold at the Winter Olympics shortly before the fashion event.

The players

Eileen Gu

An American-born skier who competes for Team China, Gu has faced controversy over her decision to represent China despite growing up in the U.S.

Caitlin Clark

An elite women's basketball player who has become a folk hero for many Americans, Clark has also been the target of criticism and cultural debates around her race and popularity in the predominantly Black sport.

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What they’re saying

“I do. So many athletes compete for a different country. … People only have a problem with me doing it because they kind of lump China into this monolithic entity, and they just hate China. So, it's not really about what they think it's about. And also, because I win. Like, if I wasn't doing well, I think that they probably wouldn't care as much, and that's OK for me. People are entitled to their opinions.”

— Eileen Gu (USA Today)

The takeaway

The appearance of Eileen Gu and Caitlin Clark together at Milan Fashion Week has reignited ongoing cultural debates around both athletes, highlighting the complex and often controversial issues surrounding identity, nationality, and representation in elite women's sports.