The Winter Olympics hero Eileen Gu, who was branded a “traitor” after switching allegiance from the US to China, was spotted sitting alongside WNBA star Caitlin Clark at Milan Fashion Week.
The 22-year-old Gu, who represents China on the slopes, arrived in Italy fresh from her remarkable performance at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, where she secured one gold medal and two silvers.
Her haul at the 2026 Games cemented her status as a three-time Olympic gold medallist and the most decorated female freestyle skier in Olympic history.
US Vice President JD Vance reignited the ‘traitor row’ during the Games.
Meanwhile, Clark, 24, has become one of basketball’s most recognisable figures since being taken first overall in the 2024 WNBA Draft.
The pair found themselves seated next to each other on the front row for the fashion extravaganza, where they appeared entirely comfortable sharing the spotlight.
Gu captured the moment by posting a selfie to her Instagram story, showing herself pouting at the camera while Clark offered a more understated smile.
As they waited for models to grace the runway, the two high-profile athletes were spotted chatting and laughing together, according to TMZ.
The Winter Olympics hero Eileen Gu was spotted sitting alongside WNBA star Caitlin Clark at Milan Fashion Week
|GETTY
For the Prada presentation, Gu opted for a sharply tailored charcoal-grey skirt suit featuring a double-breasted jacket.
She accessorised with slate-grey knee-high socks, burgundy court shoes and thick-rimmed round sunglasses.
Clark, whose 2025 WNBA season was cut short by a groin injury, chose beige tailored khakis paired with a striped polo in complementary tones.
She finished the ensemble with a grey coat draped over her shoulders and chestnut-coloured cat-eye sunglasses.
Eileen Gu arrived in Italy fresh from her remarkable performance at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics
|GETTY
The Prada event marked Gu’s second Fashion Week appearance.
She attended the Brunello Cucinelli show on Wednesday wearing an ivory floor-length silk halter dress paired with a cropped leather motorcycle jacket.
The designer himself welcomed Gu as a guest of honour at the Brunello Cucinelli show, raising her arm aloft in apparent celebration of her Olympic achievements.
Beyond her skiing prowess and Stanford University studies, Gu has carved out a substantial modelling career as an IMG-signed talent.
US Vice President JD Vance reignited the ‘traitor row’ during the Games
|GETTY
The athlete has appeared on the covers of Chinese editions of Vogue, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, Cosmopolitan and GQ.
Her fashion portfolio includes campaigns for Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Fendi and Tiffany & Co., alongside membership of the VS collective.
Gu told AFP following her final Olympic event: “I’m really excited to just explore some other avenues, be creative, and explore my femininity through fashion.”
Clark also boasts Prada connections, having worn the Italian label head-to-toe at her 2024 draft.