Eileen Gu spoke about being a bridge between China and the West, being the pride of the nation she competes for, while remaining relatable to audiences in the country she grew up in. The freeskier represented the United States in 2018 and 2019 before switching to her mother’s country at the international level.
Besides making waves on the slopes, Gu often emphasizes shared values and respect for both cultures, and even embraces both languages during public appearances and in her personal life.
Eileen Gu Shares Her Views About Cultural Exchanges Between China and the West
Gu was born in the United States and raised by her mother, Yan Gu, a Chinese immigrant. She earned her degree from Stanford University, her mother’s alma mater, and excelled academically while also pursuing her passion for skiing. After competing for the United States early in her career, she switched her national allegiance and soon became a leading figure in promoting winter sports in China and championing both Chinese and Western cultures.
In a recent conversation with People’s Daily, the 22-year-old shared that, as an ambassador between her two beloved countries, she does not impose anything on either side but instead stands for mutual respect and communication through various forms of expression, especially language.
“The only thing I can say is that I am being myself. I am ailing, and I would do what I love to do. I think it’s impossible to make anything truly convincing and respectable by forcing it upon a culture. Respect means being able to integrate into another culture, to express with their language, and then to have your bright spots flourish. Kind of mutual communication and mutual respect is what I deem wonderful,” she said.
Gu’s recent win in the slopestyle event at the World Cup stop in Laax, which was also an Olympic qualification event, earned her a spot on the Cortina Games roster, ready to kick off action next month.
The Chinese skier was the first in her sport to achieve three podiums at a single Winter Games. The wins not only etched her name in history but also paved the way for young girls to find their passion in skiing. In an interview with TIME Magazine, the Olympian shared how her influence spread like wildfire in China.
One of her friends, who maintains ski parks, told her that the demographic has drastically changed over the years, from Gu as a young girl among middle-aged men to now seeing several little girls skiing.
Gu also set records at the X Games, amassing three medals in her debut in 2021.
