American-born Olympian Eileen Gu, who controversially competed for China in 2022, has secured another high-profile achievement with her debut on the cover of Sports Illustrated’s Swimsuit Issue while preparing to represent the communist nation in 2026.

At a Glance

• Eileen Gu appears in the May 2025 issue of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition, a first for the 21-year-old American-born freestyle skier who competes for China
• Gu is a 3-time Olympic medalist who won two golds for China in 2022 and ranks as the second-highest-paid female athlete globally, earning $22.1 million in 2023
• The Stanford physics major plans to compete for China again in the 2026 Winter Olympics despite ongoing criticism over representing a nation with problematic human rights records
• Critics have nicknamed her “Genocide Barbie” for her refusal to address China’s human rights issues while enjoying the benefits of American freedom

From American Soil to Chinese Gold

Eileen Gu’s latest career milestone comes as the freestyle skiing champion graces the cover of Sports Illustrated’s Swimsuit Issue. Born in San Francisco but competing under the Chinese flag, Gu made history at the 2022 Winter Olympics by winning three medals for China – gold medals in both the big air and halfpipe events, plus silver in slopestyle. The 21-year-old Stanford physics major has become one of sports’ most recognizable and controversial figures, straddling two nations with increasingly strained relations.

The swimsuit photoshoot, which took place at The Boca Raton in Florida and was captured by photographer Ben Watts, represents another crossover achievement for the athlete who has successfully navigated both sports and fashion worlds. Her appearance in the iconic issue highlights her growing influence beyond competitive skiing, having previously been named one of Time Magazine’s 100 most influential people in 2022.

Commercial Success Amid Political Controversy

Gu’s rise to prominence has been accompanied by extraordinary financial success. According to Forbes, she earned $22.1 million in 2023 alone, making her the second-highest-paid female athlete globally. Her commercial appeal spans both Western and Chinese markets, with sponsorships from major brands across continents. This economic achievement underscores her unique position as a bridge between the United States and China, though critics argue this position comes with significant moral compromises.

Mounting Criticism Over National Allegiance

Gu’s decision to compete for China rather than the United States has drawn sharp criticism from various quarters. Comedian Bill Maher notably questioned her choice, asking, “Is that cool now? To choose to represent a totalitarian police state over America?” Her refusal to address human rights concerns in China has led some critics to dub her “Genocide Barbie,” referencing China’s treatment of Uyghur Muslims and other minority groups.

Further controversy emerged when Gu appeared to support China’s internet censorship policies. Despite enjoying the freedom to use Instagram and other platforms while in America, she has made statements suggesting Chinese citizens have similar internet freedoms – a claim widely recognized as false given China’s Great Firewall that blocks numerous Western social media platforms and news sites.

Eyes on 2026 Winter Olympics

Despite the ongoing controversy, Gu has confirmed her intention to compete for China again in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo. She has expressed her commitment to advancing women’s freestyle skiing, noting the rapid progression in the sport over recent years. “The progression of women’s skiing has just been skyrocketing in the last, you know, five years, 10 years, and it has been so inspiring to first watch it when I was younger and then now be a part of it,” Gu stated in her Sports Illustrated interview.

As Gu continues to prepare for future competitions while balancing her Stanford education and growing modeling career, questions about national identity, loyalty, and the responsibility of public figures in addressing human rights concerns are likely to persist. Her Sports Illustrated cover represents not just athletic achievement but the complex intersection of sports, politics, and global relations that defines her controversial career.