Lausanne, Switzerland, November 30, 2023: China’s two-time Olympic and Youth Olympic freestyle skiing champion Eileen Gu Ailing will be the Global Ambassador for the Winter Youth Olympic Games Gangwon 2024, the IOC has announced.
The 20-year-old Gu first made her mark at the Winter YOG Lausanne 2020 with two gold and one silver medal and built on this success at Beijing 2022 with the same tally – gold in big air and halfpipe and silver in slopestyle.
Speaking about her appointment, Gu said: “It is an honour to be named Global Ambassador for the Winter YOG Gangwon 2024, as this event and the values it champions align perfectly with the message I hope to spread to young people worldwide: sport is for everyone, regardless of gender, age, ability, geographic location and religion.”
As well as being a role model to look up to for the young athletes, Gu will be actively promoting Gangwon 2024 to her millions of followers across social media, helping to raise awareness and increase global interest in the YOG.
IOC President Thomas Bach commented: “Eileen is an exceptional athlete and an inspiring figure for young people everywhere. Her role as a Global Ambassador for the Winter YOG Gangwon 2024 will undoubtedly have a profound impact on aspiring young athletes and will help to further spread the Olympic spirit around the world.”
Gu shared some words of wisdom for those young athletes currently preparing for Gangwon 2024 about how they can make the most of their time at the Games.
“My best piece of advice to a young athlete coming to Gangwon 2024 is to relish the experience,” she said.
“Unlike the Olympics, the YOG only happen once in a young athlete’s career. It is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to learn from and connect with like-minded young people who share similar experiences, values and passions who come from different backgrounds.
“Be open-minded! Listen and learn, and don't forget to enjoy yourself! I can’t wait to see all the amazing performances from the best young athletes around the globe!”
The Winter YOG Gangwon 2024 will take place from 19 January to 1 February 2024, with approximately 1,900 athletes from 81 National Olympic Committees.