Gu Ailing hopes introduce Chinese culture to world via skiing

Gu Ailing of China reacts during women's freeski big air final at Big Air Shougang in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 8, 2022. (Photo/Xinhua)

(ECNS) -- Chinese freestyle skier Gu Ailing, or Eileen Gu, is not only well-known for her sporting prowess but also for her love for fashion. She has been trying to introduce Chinese cultural elements to the world through skiing.

Gu made her debut at the Women's Freeski Big Air Qualification in Beijing on Monday. Netizens noticed that there is a Chinese Loong on her snowboard and her coat respectively.

"The Chinese Loong on my snowboard means 'an outstanding person in Chinese'," Gu explained.

She also introduced her black coat with a golden Chinese Loong on the back. "This coat is also designed by myself. I've been paying attention to fashion, and I'm also a model," said Gu.

"I want to introduce Chinese cultural elements to the world through skiing," she added.

The 18-year-old skier won the gold at the Women's Freeski Big Air Final on Tuesday during the ongoing 2022 Winter Olympics.