In an unexpected revelation, the financial dealings of the Beijing sports bureau concerning American-born freestyle skier Eileen Gu have come to light. It turns out that this Olympic darling, who has captured the hearts of many with her impressive performances, is not just raking in medals but also a hefty paycheck. According to a public budget document from last year, it was discovered that the sports bureau planned to pay Gu and another U.S.-born athlete competing for China a staggering $6.6 million in 2025 alone. Now, that’s a serious amount of cash for some serious competition!
While the document didn’t specify how much each athlete would receive, considering Gu’s status as a four-time Olympic medalist, it’s likely she snagged a bulk of that money. Over the course of three years, the bureau earmarked nearly $14 million for both athletes, all in hopes of achieving excellent results in qualifying for the upcoming 2026 Milan Winter Olympics. With budgets tight for many essential services in China, it’s no wonder that these payments sparked quite the buzz – and not the good kind either!
The financial allocations were swiftly erased from budgets after their initial release, but not before they left an impactful impression on the Chinese public. Citizens were quick to express their surprise and, in some cases, their criticism. This kind of spending comes at a time when many are feeling the pinch, questioning the appropriateness of funding top athletes when basic needs should be prioritized. It’s a classic case of “who looks after the pennies while the sports bureau spends the pounds?”
Eileen Gu, for those who might not be aware, is already one of the highest-paid female athletes in the world. In the previous year alone, she reportedly earned a whopping $23 million, with nearly all of that coming from endorsements. This raises a curious question for the average sports fan: should elite athletes really command such astronomical figures? In a system like China’s, where athlete salaries are often considered state secrets, this unusual glimpse into Gu’s fortunes showcases just how much an internationally recognized star can earn.
As the world gears up for the Milan Winter Olympics, the situation surrounding Gu and her finances will be closely watched. Will the scrutiny force changes in how athlete payments are handled, or will the allure of winning medals continue to outweigh the public’s concerns? For now, one thing is for sure: Eileen Gu is a name that rings not only in the athletic world but in financial conversations as well. Stay tuned, because this story is far from over!
