Athletes Shine at Milan Fashion Week
Thursday marked a vibrant day at Milan Fashion Week, where athletes took center stage.
Eileen Gu, the Olympic medalist who recently wrapped up her participation in the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, shared her experience at the Prada show alongside WNBA star Caitlin Clark via her Instagram Story. They looked quite stylish in their shades, and it was clear they were having a good time.
Clark, gearing up for her third season with the Indiana Fever, reposted Gu’s photo on her own profile.
Gu, an American-born skier, stirred up discussions previously due to her decision to compete for her mother’s native country, China. At the recent Olympics, she secured three medals, continuing her streak from the Beijing games four years ago.
Despite defending her gold in the halfpipe, the 22-year-old fell just short in the big air competition, walking away with a silver medal—her second silver following the gold she snagged in 2022. She also earned another silver in slopestyle, mirroring her Beijing achievements.
It’s bittersweet for Gu, as her recent gold victory was overshadowed by the sad news of her grandmother’s passing shortly after.
“She was a force,” Gu reflected emotionally with reporters. “This woman took control of her life and shaped it into something remarkable.”
Gu, now the most decorated freestyle skier at the Olympics, shared how one of her final moments with her grandmother was prior to her Olympic trip. “The last time I saw her, she was very ill, so I was aware of the risks. I didn’t promise a win, but I did promise to be brave. She was incredibly brave,” Gu said.
After her second Olympic appearance, Gu—who’s raked in around $23 million through endorsements—now looks to the fashion world. “I have this new role now, immersing myself in a different fashion scene,” she commented. “I’m excited to explore other creative outlets and express my femininity through fashion. It’s always been a passion of mine, right next to skiing and sports.”
Interestingly, Gu has graced the runway for high-end brands like Louis Vuitton and Tiffany & Co., showcasing her versatile talent.
