BOCA RATON, FL — May 14, 2025 — Olympic freestyle skiing sensation Eileen Gu has added another accolade to her multifaceted career, gracing the cover of the 2025 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. The 21-year-old athlete and model was photographed by Ben Horton at the luxurious Boca Raton resort in Florida, showcasing a blend of athleticism and elegance in a series of captivating images.
Gu, a three-time Olympic medalist who made history at the 2022 Beijing Winter Games by securing two golds and a silver for China, continues to break barriers beyond the slopes. Her foray into high fashion includes modeling for esteemed brands like Louis Vuitton and Victoria’s Secret, as well as appearances on multiple international Vogue covers. In 2023, Forbes reported that Gu earned $22.1 million, making her the second highest-paid female athlete globally, just behind tennis star Iga Świątek.
In the SI Swimsuit feature, Gu reflects on her journey in a male-dominated sport and the evolution of her personal identity. “I was the only girl on my team,” she shared, recalling her early years in freestyle skiing. “I spent most of that time trying to be a boy… 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.”
The 2025 SI Swimsuit Issue celebrates trailblazing female athletes, featuring Gu alongside other Olympians such as gymnast Suni Lee, golfer Nelly Korda, sprinter Gabby Thomas, and gymnast Jordan Chiles. Editor-in-chief MJ Day emphasized that these women “defy stereotypes, champion equality, and inspire young girls.”
Gu’s appearance in the Swimsuit Issue not only highlights her versatility but also cements her status as a role model who seamlessly bridges the worlds of elite sports and high fashion. As she continues her studies in quantum physics at Stanford University and prepares to represent China in the 2026 Winter Olympics, Gu exemplifies the modern athlete: multifaceted, empowered, and unapologetically herself.
