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10 Must-Know Facts About Eileen Gu in 2026

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10 Must-Know Facts About Eileen Gu

At 22 years old, Eileen Gu has already lived several lifetimes in the spotlight. The Chinese-American freestyle skier, who captivated the world during the 2022 Beijing Olympics, continues to dominate headlines in 2026 as both an athlete and a cultural force. Born in San Francisco, trained in California, and competing under the Chinese flag, Gu remains one of the most polarizing and powerful figures in international sports.

Here are the 10 essential things every sports fan, cultural observer and casual follower should know about Eileen Gu right now.

1. Olympic Gold Medal Haul & Historic Beijing Performance

At the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, 18-year-old Gu became the breakout star of the Games. She won three medals—two gold (big air and halfpipe) and one silver (slopestyle)—making her the first freestyle skier to medal in all three events at a single Olympics. Her big-air gold was particularly dramatic: she landed a double cork 1620 on her final run, a trick no woman had ever attempted in competition, to clinch the title.

Gu’s three-medal haul tied her with American skier Chloe Kim for the most medals by a female freestyle skier in a single Games.

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2. Decision to Compete for China Sparked Global Debate

Gu was born and raised in the United States and holds U.S. citizenship. In 2019, at age 15, she announced she would compete for China in international competitions while retaining U.S. citizenship. The move triggered intense scrutiny and polarized opinions: some praised her as a bridge between cultures; others accused her of opportunism or questioned her motives amid U.S.–China geopolitical tensions.

Gu has consistently described the decision as personal and family-driven. “I’m American when I’m in the U.S., Chinese when I’m in China,” she said in a 2022 interview. She has never renounced U.S. citizenship and remains eligible to represent the U.S. in future competitions if she chooses.

3. Record-Breaking Junior & Early Pro Career

Before Beijing, Gu was already a prodigy. She won her first X Games gold at age 13 (2018 big air) and became the youngest X Games champion in history. Between 2017 and 2021 she won 11 X Games medals (7 gold) and multiple World Cup titles. She is the only female skier to land a left-side double cork 1620 in competition.

Her technical difficulty—especially on jumps—remains unmatched among women.

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4. Academic Excellence & Stanford Commitment

Gu graduated high school early and was accepted to Stanford University, where she enrolled in 2022. She has taken a leave of absence to focus on skiing but plans to return and major in computer science or data science. She has spoken openly about balancing elite sports with academics, often studying between training sessions.

In 2025 she completed her first full academic year at Stanford remotely while competing, maintaining a high GPA.

5. Massive Commercial Empire & Highest-Paid Female Athlete

Gu is one of the most marketable athletes in the world. In 2025 Forbes listed her as the highest-paid female athlete, earning an estimated $45 million ($5 million in on-snow earnings, $40 million in endorsements). Major partners include Red Bull, Visa, Tiffany & Co., Fendi, IWC Schaffhausen, Anheuser-Busch, and Chinese brands such as Anta and Mengniu.

She has appeared in global campaigns for Louis Vuitton, starred in a feature-length documentary, and launched her own apparel line. Her net worth is estimated at $80–100 million.

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6. Return from Injury & Dominant 2025–2026 Season

Gu suffered a season-ending ACL tear in training in March 2023, forcing her to miss the entire 2023–24 season. She returned in December 2024 and immediately showed no rust, winning World Cup events in Copper Mountain (halfpipe) and Calgary (big air) in early 2025. In the 2025–26 season she has won four of six World Cup starts and leads the FIS freestyle overall standings.

Her comeback has been described as “the most dominant post-ACL return in freestyle skiing history.”

7. Cultural Bridge & Dual Identity

Gu speaks fluent Mandarin and frequently posts in both English and Chinese on social media (Instagram: 4.2 million followers; Weibo: 9.8 million). She has become a symbol of cross-cultural identity, especially among Asian-American youth. She has spoken at length about navigating racism in the U.S. and stereotypes in China, positioning herself as a voice for multicultural belonging.

In a 2025 TEDx talk she said: “I’m not half-American, half-Chinese. I’m fully both.”

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8. Philanthropy & Education Initiatives

Gu founded the Gu Sports Foundation in 2023 to provide scholarships and training opportunities for underprivileged youth in skiing and snowboarding. She has donated more than $2 million to youth sports programs in China and the U.S., with a particular focus on girls’ participation in action sports. She also mentors young athletes through her summer camps in California and Beijing.

9. Fashion & Media Presence

Beyond sports, Gu is a legitimate fashion figure. She has walked runways for Louis Vuitton and Fendi, appeared in Vogue China and Vogue US, and was named to Time’s 100 Next list in 2022. Her red-carpet appearances during fashion weeks consistently trend online.

She has also acted in small roles (a cameo in a Chinese blockbuster) and hosted segments on CCTV and NBC.

10. 2026 Goals: Defend Olympic Titles & Push for Gender Equity

Gu has already qualified for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina (Italy) and is the clear favorite to defend her titles in halfpipe and big air. She has spoken about wanting to push for equal prize money and visibility in freestyle skiing and has quietly advocated for better athlete mental-health resources.

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If she sweeps again in 2026, she would become the most decorated female freestyle skier in Olympic history.

Eileen Gu is no longer just a skier—she is a global brand, a cultural symbol, and a generational talent. Whether on the slopes, in boardrooms, or on magazine covers, she continues to redefine what it means to be a modern athlete in an increasingly interconnected world.

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Packaging producers respond to state packaging sustainability mandates

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Packaging producers respond to state packaging sustainability mandates

Food producers are hesitant to jump in on EPR rules as they are concerned that they could change.

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Turning Complex Ideas Into Lasting Impact

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Turning Complex Ideas Into Lasting Impact

Jason Goldberg Winnipeg has built a career around clarity. In a field known for complexity, he has focused on making big ideas work in the real world. Not with noise or headlines, but with structure, discipline, and long-term thinking.

Based in Winnipeg, Jason is a partner at MLT Aikins, the largest law firm in Manitoba and Western Canada. His work sits at the intersection of tax law, business strategy, and transition planning. Over time, he has helped shape transactions and structures that allow businesses and families to move forward with confidence.

“I’ve always believed that good ideas only matter if they can be implemented,” Jason says. “Execution is where value is created.”

Early Influences and a Winnipeg Foundation

Jason Goldberg Winnipeg

grew up in Winnipeg, a city that values loyalty and community. Sports and culture were a constant presence. From the historic Winnipeg Arena to today’s Canada Life Centre, he learned early that showing up matters.

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“Winnipeg teaches you to stay committed,” he says. “You don’t chase trends. You build something solid.”

That mindset shaped his early ambitions. In 1989, Jason received a YTV Achievement Award for Entrepreneurship. It was an early signal of his interest in how ideas become sustainable ventures.

He went on to earn a BA from the University of Manitoba in 1993, followed by a law degree from the University of Western Ontario in 1997. He was called to the Manitoba Bar in 1998.

Finding His Path in Tax and Business Law

Early in his legal career, Jason gravitated toward tax law. It was not about numbers alone. It was about how decisions ripple across time.

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“Tax law forces you to think ahead,” he says. “You can’t just look at today. You have to understand what happens five or ten years down the road.”

To deepen his expertise, Jason completed the CICA In-Depth Tax Course in 2006, along with advanced training in corporate reorganisations and tax law. These programmes are known for their rigour and practical focus.

“You learn very quickly that precision matters,” he says. “Small details can shape very large outcomes.”

Bringing Big Ideas to Life in Practice

Jason’s work focuses on corporate tax planning, acquisitions and divestitures, reorganisations, and estate and succession planning. Much of it involves closely held and family-owned businesses facing moments of change.

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These moments often come with pressure. Emotions run high. Timelines are tight.

“My role is to bring creativity and stamina to a complex problem,” Jason explains. “A concept needs space to be tested before they are put into motion.”

He is known for helping clients translate complex strategies into workable steps. Not by oversimplifying, but by asking the right questions early.

“Good planning is about alignment,” he says. “When structure and intent match, things tend to hold.”

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Leadership Through Clarity and Collaboration

As a partner at MLT Aikins, Jason works closely with lawyers, accountants, and advisors across disciplines. Transactions rarely succeed in isolation.

“Everyone brings a piece of the puzzle,” he says. “Leadership is making sure those pieces fit together.”

Jason is also active in professional education. He has written papers for Continuing Legal Education and the Canadian Tax Foundation and presented for organisations such as the Business Development Bank of Canada.

Teaching, he believes, keeps his thinking sharp.

“If you can explain a complex idea in plain language, you can understand it,” he says.

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Life Beyond the Office

Outside of work, Jason remains deeply connected to sports and the arts as a supporter. He is a lifelong fan of the NHL and NBA. At home, he supports the Winnipeg Jets. From afar, he follows the New York Rangers. The Phoenix Suns and Vancouver Canucks are also favourites.

“Sports are a shared experience,” he says. “They bring people together in a way few things can.”

That same belief draws him to the arts. Jason regularly attends the Vancouver International Film Festival and the Toronto International Film Festival. He enjoys discovering new voices and perspectives.

He also supports institutions such as the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, Phoenix Symphony Orchestra, Vancouver Art Gallery, Phoenix Art Museum, the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art and the Agassiz Chamber Music Festival.

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“Art challenges how you see the world,” he says. “That’s valuable in any profession.”

Investing in Education and the Future

Jason is an advocate for education and youth development. He actively supports Balmoral Hall School and programmes that encourage leadership, curiosity, and character.

“Education is one of the few investments that always pays forward,” he says.

That belief mirrors his professional philosophy. Focus on fundamentals. Build with care. Let results compound over time.

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A Career Defined by Thoughtful Execution

Jason Goldberg’s career is not defined by bold claims. It is defined by follow-through and working the details. By taking complex ideas and turning them into structures that last.

“Success is usually quiet,” he says. “If things are working, you’re probably doing something right.”

From his roots in Winnipeg to his leadership role today, Jason continues to show that innovative concepts and implementation adds value for clients.

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‘Milestone’ deal as Palatine-backed waste manager Papilo buys Midlands group

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Expanded group will focus on companies with zero-waste strategies

Papilo has acquired Allwood Recycling Solutions

Allwood Recycling Solutions is based in Warwick(Image: Allwood Recycling Solutions)

A waste management firm backed by investment group Palatine has acquired a Midlands firm in a “milestone” deal that will create a £60m revenue business with more than 200 employees. Swinton’s Papilo has taken over Warwick-based Allwood Recycling Solutions in its second acquisition since it secured the backing of Palatine’s Impact Fund.

Allwood was founded in 2010 by Darren Wheeler and has been led since 2025 by Gavin Ebery. Both will continue with the Papilo group with the rest of the Allwood team.

The Midlands business focuses on the distribution and logistics sector and manages more than 150,000 tonnes of material each year.

READ MORE: Palatine invests in tech logistics firm fulfilmentcrowd and its global expansion plansREAD MORE: Palatine backs AI and data consultancy Atombit as it makes three acquisitions

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Paul Hodgkiss, CEO of Papilo said: “The Allwood team are hugely well-regarded in the industry and I am delighted to welcome Gavin, Darren and the wider Allwood team to Papilo. They bring outstanding experience, technical knowledge and from the outset, it was clear that we share a common purpose where sustainability, and the circular economy, sit at the centre of every service.

“This is a milestone acquisition for the group and will be a major platform for growth.”

Gavin Ebery, managing director of Allwood Recycling Solutions said: “This deal brings together two purpose-driven, like-minded businesses and I’m very excited about the opportunities it will bring to our customers and our people.

“We look forward to a new phase of growth as part of Papilo in a market where increasing numbers of blue-chip companies are rolling out zero waste strategies.”

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Greg Holmes, senior investment director at Palatine Impact Fund, said: “This is an important strategic acquisition for Papilo, broadening our service capabilities and brings new experience and technical knowledge into the business.

“We are delighted to have supported on Papilo’s second acquisition in the last eight months and look forward to identifying other suitable targets that will further enhance Papilo’s growth.”

The deal, the value of which was not disclosed, was funded by Palatine Impact II, Kartesia and Virgin Money. Papilo was advised by Gateley Plc (legal), Fellwood Advisory (debt advisory), Forvis Mazars (financial and tax due diligence) and Luminii Consulting (commercial due diligence). Advisors to Allwood included HNH Advisors (corporate finance) and Burges Salmon (legal).

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Nasdaq Extends Decline; AMD Sinks After Earnings

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Nasdaq Extends Decline; AMD Sinks After Earnings

The Nasdaq composite fell Wednesday as chip stocks came under fresh selling pressure and concerns lingered about potential AI disruption to software companies.

The tech-heavy index pared some losses in afternoon trading, but still finished 1.5% lower, its fourth down session in five trading days. Disappointing results from chip maker AMD sent its stock down 17%, its biggest pullback since 2017. Palantir, Micron and AppLovin all fell 9% or more.

Copyright ©2026 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 87990cbe856818d5eddac44c7b1cdeb8

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Oddity Tech stock hits 52-week low at $28.78

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Oddity Tech stock hits 52-week low at $28.78

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BNP Paribas SA (BNP:CA) Q4 2025 Earnings Call Transcript

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OneWater Marine Inc. (ONEW) Q1 2026 Earnings Call Transcript

BNP Paribas SA (BNP:CA) Q4 2025 Earnings Call February 5, 2026 8:00 AM EST

Company Participants

Jean-Laurent Bonnafe – MD, CEO & Director
Lars Machenil – Group Chief Financial Officer

Conference Call Participants

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Tarik El Mejjad – BofA Securities, Research Division
Delphine Lee – JPMorgan Chase & Co, Research Division
Giulia Miotto – Morgan Stanley, Research Division
Chris Hallam – Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., Research Division
Jacques-Henri Gaulard – Kepler Cheuvreux, Research Division
Andrew Coombs – Citigroup Inc., Research Division
Flora Benhakoun Bocahut – Barclays Bank PLC, Research Division
Sharath Ramanathan – Deutsche Bank AG, Research Division
Pierre Chedeville – CIC Market Solutions, Research Division
Anke Reingen – RBC Capital Markets, Research Division
Jonathan Matthew Clark – Mediobanca – Banca di credito finanziario S.p.A., Research Division

Presentation

Operator

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Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to the presentation of the BNP Paribas Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2025 results with Jean-Laurent Bonnafe, Group Chief Executive Officer; and Lars Machenil, Group Chief Financial Officer. For your information, this conference call is being recorded. Supporting slides are available on BNP Paribas IR website, invest.bnpparibas.com.

[Operator Instructions] I would like now to hand the call over to Jean-Laurent Bonnafe, Group Chief Executive Officer. Please go ahead, sir.

Jean-Laurent Bonnafe
MD, CEO & Director

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Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. We are pleased to present today our strong fourth quarter results, and we’ll provide some elements on our ’28 trajectory, which we are revising upwards given the strong revenue momentum at the launch of a transformation plan of our support functions.

I will start with our results on Slide 4. So our fourth quarter results confirmed the sharp acceleration we had expected. Revenues posted a strong 8% growth. Jaws effect was higher at 2.9 points and even reached 3.9 points when excluding AXA IM. Cost of fees stayed low at 34 bps well within our trajectory of below 40

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Restaurant owner ‘incredibly grateful’ after planning decision ends 12-year wrangle

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Spagó boss says decision ‘gives us the confidence to focus on the future’

Spagó restaurant, on Dicconson Terrace, Fleetwood

Spagó restaurant, on Dicconson Terrace, Fleetwood(Image: Local Democracy Reporting Service)

The owner of one of Lytham’s most successful restaurants has spoken of his gratitude and relief over being able to keep its ‘vital’ canopy and glass balustrade after a long planning fight.

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Tony Vavoso, owner of Spagó restaurant, on Dicconson Terrace, applied for approval for a scheme to amend the glazed balustrade and canopy at the front of the premises, as the current structure was deemed unlawful and was the subject of a Planning Enforcement Notice.

Although his latest application to Fylde Council had been recommended for refusal by the planning officer over concerns it was detrimental to Lytham’s conservation area, councillors approved his proposals.

It was felt that if Mr Vavoso would have to take the structure down it could seriously undermine one of the town’s most long-standing and much loved eateries.

He told councillors that the extension allowed him to accommodate 40 extra customers, which was vital as the restaurant made its long recovery after the Covid lockdown.

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He said the planning wrangle had been ongoing for 12 years.

After the decision, Mr Vavoso stated in a social media message on the restaurant’s Facebook page: ” I am incredibly grateful to the council for approving the decision regarding our canopy and for recognising both the practical and economic realities facing hospitality businesses today.

“Spagó has been part of Lytham for over a decade, and this approval gives us the confidence to focus on the future – on our staff, our customers, and continuing to invest in the business.

“We’ve always tried to give back to the community that supports us, and the decision allows us to move forward positively and sustainably.

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“Thank you so much to everyone who has supported us along the way, and a special thank you to councillor Brenda Blackshaw and Kelly Farrington for the incredible support “

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Trio of tenants move into prime Leeds city centre office following renovation

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Ambler House in Trevelyan Square has recently undergone a complete refurnishment

The exterior of Ambler House in Leeds

The exterior of Ambler House in Leeds(Image: Knight Frank)

Three new tenants have moved into new city centre offices after signing up for space in a renovated Leeds building. Spire Barristers, engineering and talent consultancy Apera and software company Azzuu have all moved into Ambler House, based in the popular Trevelyan Square.

All three deals were brokered by the Leeds office of global property consultancy Knight Frank, acting on behalf of landlords Karrev.

Leigh Royall, senior clerk at Spire Barristers said: “Our decision to move our chambers to Ambler House was entirely down to its location in the heart of Leeds city centre along with the ideal size and layout of floorplan, which is giving us the opportunity to design a Barristers Chambers fit for the future. We’re proud and passionate about our expertise in family and public law which we use to help deliver justice and empower our communities.”

Meanwhile James Woodhead of Apera, which also has bases in Los Angeles and Manchester, said: “We chose Ambler House because it’s a beautiful, listed building with real character in a great location. The refit is to a very high standard and includes all the amenities we need.

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“The space is perfectly aligned to our Leeds growth plans. Both Knight Frank and landlords Karrev have been incredibly helpful. The whole process was straightforward and smooth in a way that office moves often are not.”

Inside Ambler House in Leeds

Inside Ambler House in Leeds(Image: Knight Frank)

Victoria Harris of Knight Frank said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome these three new flourishing companies to Ambler House. This hat-trick of lettings is a ringing endorsement of the quality of the building and its superb location. This is a winning combination.

“Ambler House provides characterful private offices by a quiet green square in Leeds city centre. A short walk from Leeds Station and with parking spaces available at Leeds Trinity car park, Ambler House is wonderfully connected for commuters.

“Having recently finished a complete refurbishment, the beautiful office spaces at Ambler House feature best-in-class traditional and fitted workspace, enabling companies to think about their office in the long term. Offering fully furnished and blank-canvas offices to let, this building is a perfect move for companies looking for a longer-term solution for their operation in Leeds.”

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She added: “Work is now beginning on the fourth floor at Ambler House. There is currently 2,576 sq ft of quality space remaining, which can be let as a whole or in two parts.”

Benn Dickinson of Karrev Real Estate said: “We bought Ambler House because we believed in its potential. Its quality as a building and its location, surrounded by green space, yet so close to the city’s professional core, was key. Now after a sensitive refurbishment, we have welcomed three new flourishing businesses and are looking forward to welcoming more, with two new quality office suites are being created on the fourth floor.”

Like this story? For more news from the commercial property scene around the regions, visit our dedicated section here for the latest news and analysis within the sector.

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US, Aus govt lenders offer Kalgoorlie nickel play $1bn debt

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US, Aus govt lenders offer Kalgoorlie nickel play $1bn debt

Kalgoorlie nickel aspirant Ardea Resources is poised for $1 billion in potential debt funding from Australian and US government financiers amid the push to break China’s critical minerals grasp.

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Mondelez offers cautious guidance for 2026

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Mondelez offers cautious guidance for 2026

After mixed 2025 results, CEO points to “challenging backdrop on several fronts.”

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