“Even though I’m a few years older, my run is definitely better and my tricks are harder, my love for the sport is very much the same, and if anything, it burns even brighter than it did back then.” This simple yet powerful statement perfectly captures the allure of Eileen Gu. It reflects not only the freeski superstar’s deep passion for her craft but also her unwavering determination to challenge herself and push boundaries. It is this relentless pursuit of her dreams and her resilience in striving for excellence that has shaped the Eileen Gu we know today.

Now, Eileen returns for her third Vogue Hong Kong cover, showcasing a new, captivating side to herself in dramatic designs by Shanghai Tang,  reminiscent of a leading lady in classic films of yore. 

The last time we spoke to you in December 2022, you told us how you teared up after your first quantum physics class because it was so beautiful. Let’s catch up — how’s school?

Right now, I’m doing a term abroad at Oxford University. I’ve been having the best time immersing myself in the culture and enjoying the beautiful architecture. I’m about to experience my first formal dinner when I return to school next week. On top of that, I’ve been meeting such fun, brilliant people and relishing in the British wit. I’ve also had a few fun trips to London with my friends and with the Stanford program. It feels like every day is a new highlight.

Oh, also, I’m writing a book at Oxford. Oxford operates on a tutorial system, which means you have a one-on-one tutor who helps you develop your skills in some facet of your academic development. So, I chose to pursue creative non-fiction. I turn in a chapter weekly, and my tutor works on my writing with me. It’s something I’ve never done before, but something I’ve always wanted to do, and I’m hoping that I can publish my writing in the future. Today, on set, I was working on my book in my hair and makeup chair and wrote a chapter on Chinese culture, which I find so nuanced and beautiful. Honestly, I almost teared up. Afterwards, we had an amazing set with several unique high-fashion looks I’ve never attempted before. I think a lot of that expressiveness and creativity was perhaps inspired by my writing in the hair and makeup chair.

You recently competed at the FIS Freeski World Cup and earned your 15th win across halfpipe, slopestyle and big air, setting another new record. How did you feel? 

I have always said that my goal with skiing has been to use the sport as a means to spread the spirit of athletics. And it means resilience, it means sportsmanship. It means passion and joy and discipline — particularly for young women, and particularly in a extreme sports where young women are underrepresented.

This full circle moment was significant because it was a testament to the fact that even though I’m a few years older, my run is definitely better and my tricks are harder, my love for the sport is very much the same, and if anything, it burns even brighter than it did back then. The more I ski and compete, the more I love the sport and learn about myself. That’s why my deepest desire is to give back to the sport. It has greatly shaped the person I am today, especially in such formative years. This achievement is something I still can’t believe has my name attached to it but but onwards and upwards. There’s no complacency.  If anything, this moment just lit the fire and broadened my horizons of what is possible. 

On that note, what does the word “success” mean to you? How has your definition of success evolved throughout your career? 

For me, the meaning of success has evolved and continues to do so. Success initially meant recognition to me. It meant doing something for a purpose and having that purpose spread beyond myself. For example, I wanted to win a competition because that was the culmination of all the moments I’d put into it initially, which was something bigger than me. As I got older, the scope of those contests started to expand. Eventually, I competed in the Olympics, and I won the Olympics. After the Olympics, there was a moment of inflexion for I thought I had already achieved the highest moment in all of sports. I had set records and done world’s firsts I had never imagined. Many Olympic athletes feel lost after the Olympics, and I struggled intensely with my mental health for much of 2022 and 2023 . After some critical reflection, I realised that what is really fulfilling and meaningful beyond personal success is actually collective success — to share with others what you are so fortunate to have and to use your voice and platform for something positive, to inspire maybe one young girl sitting at home, or to break a stereotype or a boundary about what a free skier looks like, or beyond that, what being a young woman looks like in today’s society. Being a young woman can be soft and effeminate but also strong and self-respecting at the same time —  I try to uphold these values and use my voice for anything from sports to sustainability to fashion and beauty standards.