Gu, 22, is a freestyle skiing star who has won two silver medals at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy, adding to three medals won in Beijing in 2022.

Gu has won two silver medals in Milan this month.

Former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom accused Olympic skier Eileen Gu of betraying America by competing for China, citing human rights abuses and Gu's $23 million earnings.

The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina have provided all kinds of storylines. Currently, the world’s best winter sport athletes are competing in Italy with gold medals on the line. Gifted and talented individuals have been busy flying through the air with snowboards and skis attached to their feet,

Winter Olympics star Eileen Gu is one of the most marketable athletes at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Games. “The Snow Princess,” as she is affectionately called, earned over $23 million in 2025. Most of the earnings came through endorsements.

Why Eileen Gu chose to represent China, and how identity, Olympic goals, and global endorsements shaped her controversial career decision.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance said he is uncertain about the status of U.S.-born freestyle skier Eileen Gu, who competes for China at the Winter Olympics, adding that he is rooting for athletes who identify as American.

LIVIGNO, Italy — Even if she’s not outwardly courting controversy, it always seems to find her. Eileen Gu is 22 years old, competing in her second Olympic Games, so often at the center of a storm.