Rising mega star Eileen Gu covers the April 2022 issue of Harper’s Bazaar China [IG], styled by Weitian in images by Kai Z Feng[IG]. / Hair by Bon; makeup by MQstudio

Eileen Gu arrived at the Beijing Winter Olympics, finishing off a perfect FIS [International Ski Federation] ski season, scoring a career best ‘sensational’ 97.50 in the halfpipe at Mammoth Mountain, California in January. Gu then won two golds in Big Air and the Halfpipe and a silver in Slopestyle in Beijing. The human flier hit a staggering 13’9” in the Halfpipe, with what NYT calls her ‘cork 900 with her signature Buick grab’.

Highsnobiety did an in-depth profile in 2021 on Eileen Gu in their print magazine HIghEnergy and posted it online after Gu won her first Olympic gold medal. Called “the busiest woman in skiing”, the star was named the youngest ever in Forbes’ 30 Under 30 in Sports and Entertainment.

WWD addressed the controversy during the Olympics, surrounding Gu and her apolitical stance. “I’m not trying to solve political problems right now. And I’m aware that I’m not able to do everything I want to do in this exact moment,” she said.

It’s very easy for armchair voices to criticize Gu — and everybody else who stumbles into their radar — for what she does and doesn’t do. The stunning reality of her accomplishments, determination and pursuit of excellence mean nothing to her critics — who consider themselves morally superior to her.

When you’re resting through life on Twitter, other social media or in internet forums, being ‘morally superior’ is perhaps your best offense for both libs and right-wingers.

Does AOC wish that Eileen Gu was on the American team in Beijing? Absolutely. But she wasn’t. And Gu has spent summers in her mother’s China since she was a very young girl, learning the culture and speaking fluent Mandarin.

Inspiring children and women — especially in China — to participate in winter sports, is her current objective. And for a very good reason.

In Eileen Gu’s own words in her HighEnergy interview:

Skiing builds so much confidence for me, seeing what my body's capable of. Every time you learn a new trick, it's hard not because it's physically difficult, but because you have to overcome your mind and force your body to do something it's never done before. You're breaking your own mental and physical boundaries, and it’s truly euphoric. That’s one of the most incredible feelings, and it makes you feel so empowered.

It could be interesting if Eileen Gu’s critics rose up and tested their own limitations on occasion, rather than pointing out the flaws in those who do pursue human excellence.

AOC simply cannot believe that Eileen Gu is only 18 years old. She’s a stunning young woman and I only want many more young women like her in the human pipeline. ~ Anne