Olympic freestyle superstar Ailing (Eileen) Gu on role as Gangwon 2024 Global Ambassador
The double Olympic champion and Youth Olympic Games champion is returning to the quadrennial event in a new capacity and with a strong message: "Sport is for everyone".
Freestyle Skiing
Double Olympic champion EAiling (Eileen Gu is adding a new line to her already full resume.
The full-time freestyle skier, full-time model and full-time student is using all her multifaceted talents as she returns to the Youth Olympic Games scene, this time as a Gangwon 2024 Global Ambassador.
A record 1,900 athletes will take part in the fourth edition of the Winter Youth Olympic Games in Gangwon, to be held from 19 January to 1 February.
Gu won gold medals in Big Air and halfpipe, as well as silver in slopestyle, during the previous edition at Lausanne 2020, before repeating that feat at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics and is now eager to share her advice with a new generation of athletes.
“It is an honour to be named Global Ambassador for YOG Gangwon 2024, as this event and the values it champions align perfectly with the message I hope to spread to young people worldwide: Sport is for everyone, regardless of gender, age, ability, geographic location, and religion," the 20-year-old Chinese freestyler told Olympics.com when her role was announced. "It has the capacity to unite people and serve as an avenue for communication, empathy, and friendship.”
IOC President Thomas Bach extended his welcome to the freestyle star: “Welcome back to the Youth Olympic Games, Eileen. This is where it all started for you."
“Eileen is an exceptional athlete and an inspiring figure for young people everywhere," he added. "Her role as a Global Ambassador for the Winter YOG Gangwon 2024 will undoubtedly have a profound impact on aspiring young athletes and will help to further spread the Olympic spirit around the world.”
Ailing (Eileen) Gu: "Sport has the power to promote peace"
Gu started skiing at the age of three and entered her first senior competitions at just 13.
Feeling at home whichever country she visits, it is not surprising then that for Gu sport is not only about the physical achievements, but an avenue for a greater understanding between cultures as well.
Brought together in a shared competition venue, athletes learn to respect and value each others' backgrounds from a young age.
“Sport is about humanity, not any of the divisions we impose upon ourselves," Gu said. "By transcending these divides, sport has the power to promote peace. Young people are uniquely positioned not only in bodily capability, but also in terms of their potential to learn and remain open-minded. Coming into contact with new ideas through sport, young people are able to innovate and conceive of a new, better version of the world we live in.
"I see this not as an option, but a responsibility that young people share.”
From Youth Games to Olympic champion: Top tips from Ailing (Eileen) Gu
The Winter Youth Olympic Games are held every four years with the first edition dating back to Innsbruck 2012.
Gu was one of the 1,788 athletes who took part at the third edition in Lausanne, Switzerland. Two years later she repeated her results in the three freestyle events on an Olympic stage at Beijing 2022, becoming the first rookie to win a medal in all three events she competed in.
Having completed her own transformation from a Youth Olympic Games to Olympic champion, Gu offered some advice for the new generation of rising stars who want to emulate her accomplishment.
“My best piece of advice to a young athlete coming to Gangwon 2024 is to relish the experience," she said. "Unlike the Olympics, YOG only happens once in a young athlete’s career. This competition is also unlike any other amateur or pro-level contest in that it includes a multitude of athletes, not only from different places, but also participating in different sports. It is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to learn from and connect with like-minded young people who share similar experiences, values, and passions, who come from different backgrounds."
"Be open-minded! Listen and learn, and don't forget to enjoy yourself! I can’t wait to see all the amazing performances from the best young athletes around the globe!” - Eileen Gu to Olympics.com
Gu will also be sure to enjoy the moment. A long-time fan of the Republic of Korea, there is no shortage of activities the skier and model would love to do if she has some free time.
“I absolutely love the fashion, the food and the culture of South Korea," Gu said. "I remember walking around through the parks with my mom, taking photos, sampling as many different foods as we possibly could and just having the best time.”