Eileen Gu, a U.S.-born freestyle skier competing for China, received $6.6 million in 2025 from the Beijing Municipal Sports Bureau, according to a leaked public budget. The funds were allocated for "striving for excellent results" in qualifying for the 2026 Milan Winter Olympics. The budget, which also included fellow U.S.-born athlete Zhu Yi, was later scrubbed of their names.
Gu, a three-time Olympic medalist, has been one of the highest-paid female athletes globally, earning over $23 million in 2025, primarily from endorsements. She has defended her decision to compete for China, citing her desire to inspire children in her mother's home country. The payments come amid scrutiny over her dual representation of the U.S. and China.
Gu has expressed the pressure of representing two countries, stating she carries "the weight of two countries on her shoulders." She has also criticized U.S. political figures, including former President Donald Trump, over comments about Team USA athletes.