Eileen Gu named third global ambassador of Asia Society Southern California after Kobe Bryant, Yao Ming
- China’s double Olympic skiing champ youngest and first female ambassador for Los Angeles-based non-profit organisation
- ‘It’s imperative we consciously and actively continue to build bridges between cultures, communities, and people,’ says US-born Gu
China’s double Olympic champion Eileen Gu has been named as a global ambassador to Asia Society Southern California, as part of the non-profit organisation’s AAPI Heritage Month celebrations.
The 18-year-old freestyle skier – who was born and raised in California, but opted to represent China in international competition – received the honour at a gala last weekend in Los Angeles.
She is just the third global ambassador for the organisation – which has “a mission of cross cultural bridge-building” – following in the footsteps of NBA icons Kobe Bryant and Yao Ming.
“I have some massive shoes to fill,” Gu said with a smile, after being introduced on stage by former LA 2028 chief Gene Sykes, who played a leading role in Los Angeles being award the Olympic Games.
In an Instagram posting thanking the charity, Gu said “it is imperative we consciously and actively continue to build bridges between cultures, communities, and people”.
“It’s an honour to be the youngest and first female global ambassador,” Gu added in her speech at the gala.
