Tens of thousands flocked to downtown San Francisco last weekend for the Lunar New Year parade. Amidst the sounds of drums, firecrackers, and vibrant lion dances, Eileen Gu, the American-born skier competing for China, garnered special attention.

Eileen Gu and her mother Yan Gu waved to spectators while leading the Lunar New Year parade in San Francisco, California, US, on 7/3. *Photo: AP*

Gu, 22, was invited to serve as the honorary grand marshal for the parade. She appeared in a red convertible adorned with flowers, wearing a red dress, a color symbolizing good fortune and prosperity. Each time her vehicle turned a corner onto crowded streets, the onlookers chanted her name, raising their phones to capture the moment. Many parents lifted their children onto their shoulders so they could see their idol.

Seated in the back of the car, Gu smiled and waved continuously. Hearing fans call her name, she responded by forming a heart shape with her hands. Two police officers walked ahead, escorting the parade. The festive atmosphere extended for over one kilometer from downtown to Chinatown.

This enthusiastic welcome occurred just weeks after Gu won one gold and two silver medals at the 2026 Milan-Cortina winter Olympics representing China, a decision that previously sparked controversy in the US. Before this, the 22-year-old athlete faced criticism for choosing to compete for her mother's birth country instead of representing the US.

However, in the city where she grew up, such controversies seemed absent. At Union Square, many shoppers paused as Gu's procession passed, temporarily halting street traffic. Two teenage girls ran ahead of the convoy to find better viewing spots, while spectators in the stands applauded continuously.

"She represents a cultural intersection", said Vanessa Chan, a South San Francisco resident. "Eileen is positive, joyful, and inspiring."

Some spectators believed the criticism against Gu was unfair. Megan Chin, also from South San Francisco, expressed pride in the athlete. "When you have multiple cultural backgrounds, it's wonderful to celebrate both heritages", Chin stated.

Americans welcome Eileen Gu home. *Video: AP*

Eileen Gu (Coc Ai Lang) was born in San Francisco and grew up in the Seacliff area. Her mother, Yan Gu (Coc Yen), is Chinese. Her father is American and a Harvard University graduate, but his identity has not been publicly disclosed. In 2019, at the age of 15, as she emerged as a freestyle skiing prodigy, Gu announced she would compete for China. This decision made her a focal point of debate as US-China relations grew increasingly tense.

Despite the controversy, Gu's achievements on the slopes are undeniable. With three gold and three silver medals across two Olympic Games, she is the most successful freestyle skier in Winter Olympics history. Beyond sports, Gu is also a model and an international relations student at Stanford University. According to Forbes, she earned approximately 23 million USD last year, placing her among the world's highest-earning female athletes.

In interviews, Gu often avoids engaging in political debates. When questioned about human rights issues concerning China, she has stated that she is not an expert and prefers not to comment on social media.

This cautious approach helps her maintain her star status in China, where Gu is regarded as a sports and advertising icon. However, in the US, her decision to compete for China has drawn criticism. Some commentators have labeled her a villain, while certain politicians believe Gu should represent her birth country.

Despite the controversy, Gu is still seen as a daughter of San Francisco. In a brief speech to the crowd on Kearny Street, she extended New Year wishes. "I wish everyone good health, prosperity, and plenty of time with family. Pursue your passions and bring them back to San Francisco", Gu said.

The event is considered the largest Lunar New Year celebration outside Asia, attracting hundreds of thousands of spectators in person and approximately three million viewers via television each year. The parade commences downtown and concludes in Chinatown, the city's historic Chinese quarter.

Organizers stated they selected Gu as grand marshal in the middle of last year, before the 2026 winter Olympics. According to them, Gu's story reflects San Francisco's multicultural identity.

By Hoang An