Olympic Gold Medalist Eileen Gu Makes Sport Illustrated Swimsuit Cover

3-time Olympic medalist and one of the highest paid women’s athletes in the world Eileen Gu has added another accolade to her list of achievements, but this time not through competing directly in winter sports disciplines. The 21-year-old freestyle skier and Stanford physics major recently appeared as a cover model in Sports Illustrated’s iconic Swimsuit Issue, marking another first in her already remarkable career.

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Gu, who made history at the 2022 Winter Olympics by winning three medals for China—including two golds—was photographed at The Boca Raton in Florida wearing swimwear by Always on Holiday. The shoot was captured by photographer Ben Horton, Newsweek reports. In her interview with Sports Illustrated, Gu reflected on her early years in a male-dominated sport and how fashion helped her reconnect with femininity. “I think reconciling with my femininity—particularly when I turned 14, 15 and started working in fashion more—was a pivotal step of my development,” she told Bailey Colon of Sports Illustrated.

The San Francisco-born skier, who represents her mother’s native China in international competition, has emerged as one of the world’s most prominent and highest-paid female athletes. In 2023, she earned $22.1 million, second only to tennis star Iga Świątek among female athletes, according to Forbes.

Currently pursuing a degree in physics at Stanford University, Gu announced in early 2024 her intention to compete again for China at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo. Gu’s Swimsuit Issue appearance further cements her unique place at the intersection of elite sports, fashion, and cultural influence—a role she continues to embrace as she shapes her legacy both on the snow and beyond.

Fans can view all of Gu’s photos from the SI shoot here.