Eileen Gu, the trailblazing Olympic champion and celebrated freestyle skier, has generated significant buzz with her debut in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition 2025. At just 21 years old, Gu is renowned not only for her historic achievements—like being the first freeskier to win three medals in a single Olympics—but also for her seamless transition into the world of high-fashion and modeling. This milestone appearance marks her as the second female skier ever featured in the SI Swimsuit issue, following in the footsteps of icons such as Lindsey Vonn.
For the 2025 edition, the photoshoot was set against the stunning backdrop of Boca Raton, Florida—a location celebrated for its tropical charm and coastal elegance. Photographed by Ben Horton, Gu’s images capture a harmonious blend of athletic dynamism and refined style. Sporting pieces by Ark Swimwear and styled to perfection, her look in this issue emphasizes the powerful intersection of sports performance and high-fashion aesthetics. Alongside other elite athletes like Jordan Chiles, Gabby Thomas, Suni Lee, and Nelly Korda, Gu’s appearance underscores SI Swimsuit’s evolving narrative that celebrates multifaceted representations of femininity and strength.
