Eighteen-year-old Eileen Gu has won a gold medal for China at the Beijing Winter Olympics, landing the 1620 jump to beat out France’s Tess Ledeux.

This is a phenomenal feat which saw Gu do a four and a half rotation. Gu clinched gold with a total score of 188.25, posting 94.5 on her final jump.

Born in San Fransisco, United States, Gu opted to represent China where she has a big fan base.

The articulate ski-jumper didn’t make a big deal about her dual nationality, crediting both countries for her talents and personal development.

Addressing her presence at the Beijing Olympic Games, she said: “So coming here, I really feel there was a sense of coming home. I feel just as American as Chinese. I don’t feel I’m taking advantage of one or another. They understand that my mission is to foster a connection between countries and not be a divisive force.

“I am not trying to keep anyone happy. I am an 18-year-old girl living my life and trying to have a great time.”

Gu is all set to attend Stanford University.

The free-style ski jumper insists she wants to be a force for good and unity. She can become a global star and is one to watch on the international skiing scene.

“I especially want to use the sport as a force to connect people in the two countries instead of dividing them. My ultimate goal is to represent sport to the world. Even if there is only one girl watching this in front of the TV and she gets to know freestyle skiing because of this, I would believe I have realised my goal.”