Skiing Shenanigans: When Olympic Gold Meets Kiddie Slopes

EILEEN GU AT THE WORLD CUP 2023 HALFPIPE FINAL. Photo: IWC

Ah, the glorious convergence of world-class skiing and kids wobbling down the slopes – brought to you by none other than IWC Schaffhausen and the indomitable Eileen Gu. If you missed this heartwarming and slightly chaotic day at the Genting Snow Park in Zhangjiakou, China, don’t worry. Picture this: miniature snowplows and Olympic gold medalist Eileen Gu, sporting the latest “Lake Tahoe” Pilot’s Watch, herding a troop of enthusiastic pint-sized skiers.

The day kicked off with the thrilling World Cup 2023 Halfpipe final, where Eileen casually swooped in, grabbed the gold, and then decided, “You know what? Let’s teach the kids a thing or two.” And so, with her IWC watch ticking away the seconds, she morphed into the Pied Piper of skiing.

Photo: IWC

In between imparting wisdom about perfecting ski form and sharing stories of her own ski tricks evolution, Eileen managed to find a sweet spot between inspiration and sheer fun. “I love spending time with these little rascals,” she mused, perhaps contemplating her own days as a ski novice, while effortlessly rocking the sophisticated Pilot’s Watch Chronograph.

PILOT’S WATCH CHRONOGRAPH TOP GUN EDITION “LAKE TAHOE” (REF. IW389105)

Franziska Gsell, IWC’s CMO, chimed in, echoing the sentiment that sports aren’t just about perfecting technique but about instilling confidence and creating a world where kids can bounce down hills with unwavering self-assurance. And who better to guide them than the epitome of precision and excellence herself?

Let’s not forget Eileen’s laundry list of achievements. Two golds and a silver at the Winter Olympics? Check. Being the youngest freeski Olympic gold medalist in history? Check. Oh, and she’s the first female freeskier to pull off moves that sound more like mathematical equations – a double cork 1440 and an unnatural double cork 1620. Phew!

But Eileen’s more than just an almighty ski goddess; she’s a cultural bridge between nations, a beacon of empowerment for young girls, and a walking trophy cabinet of awards. From Vogue covers to being a laureate and a youth idol, she’s on a mission to inspire and break boundaries both on and off the snow.

And just when you think she might take a breather, she’s jet-setting between the US and China, serving as a global ambassador and gracing the cover of every high-fashion magazine imaginable. Oh, did we mention she’s also studying at Stanford? Because, you know, gold medals and Vogue covers clearly weren’t enough.

So, here’s to Eileen Gu, the watch-toting, slope-conquering, boundary-smashing wonder woman, making every second count – both on her wrist and in the lives of the next generation of skiing legends. Cheers to IWC Schaffhausen for helping turn skiing lessons into a blend of skill-building and laughter, all under the watchful eye of an Olympic champion!