At the 2022 Winter Olympics, when not executing jaw-dropping ski tricks, American-born freestyle skier Eileen Gu took center stage in a suit that was as stylish as it was personalized. Wearing her most fashionable gear at an event of unprecedented significance, Gu’s outfit captured attention and admiration for its striking blend of cultural heritage and artistic flair.
Gu’s qualification for the women’s slopestyle final on Saturday did not just come from sheer athletic prowess; it also owed much to the design and inspiration behind her ski suit. The 22-year-old athlete, born in America but with Chinese roots, showcased a suit that not only paid homage to her family background but also reflected her personal style.
The outfit, made by her Chinese sportswear sponsor Anta, featured an all-white base adorned with intricate designs inspired by ceramics—a nod to China’s rich heritage. The design included blue graphics and pale golden highlights, complemented by a fierce dragon motif on the sleeve alongside another dragon patch, along with Gu’s name emblazoned in bold letters. A second dragon element was also incorporated beneath a flap near her neck, which was covered by a bib that didn’t detract from its overall elegance.
“I’ve been waiting for this moment to fit check my suit,” Gu said, eager to discuss her design choices. “This outfit combines both my Chinese roots and the spirit of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics.”
The bone white base color was inspired by Chinese ceramics, a choice that highlighted the suite’s connection to China’s artistic heritage. A thermometer with variable colors according to temperature added another layer of personalization, reminiscent of her childhood obsession with mood rings. Gu also included a miniature compass on the suit, designed for those who might find themselves lost during her travels.
“I’ve always been intrigued by compasses,” she explained. “And it’s perfect for those times when I get disoriented.”
But the designer’s true passion was undoubtedly showcased in the final details of her outfit—clouds symbolizing the joy and thrill of flying, a core part of freestyle skiing. Gu emphasized this aspect, saying: “I have clouds down here to represent the feeling of flying, which is something I love so much about freeskiing.”
Gu’s personalization didn’t end there; she also tailored her suit to serve as an anthem for China’s presence at these Olympics. Her design aimed not only to stand out among competitors but also to celebrate her heritage and cultural background, aligning with the celebration of Chinese culture that marked this special edition Winter Games.
Following a challenging start, Gu demonstrated her resilience by delivering a strong second run during her qualification event. This comeback, coupled with her solid execution in subsequent runs, secured her spot in the final alongside fellow competitors from Britain, America, and Italy. Her victory was an honor not just for herself but also for the broader representation of Chinese culture in these global sporting events.
Gu’s dedication to blending personal flair with cultural pride exemplified what it means to compete at the Olympics, making a lasting impact both on her sport and through representing her heritage.