While the WNBA enjoys its offseason, rookie sensation Caitlin Clark is making waves far from the basketball court. The Indiana Fever star was front and center at Milan Fashion Week this week, attending the prestigious Prada show. But it wasn't her court-to-catwalk style that grabbed headlines—it was her seatmate.
Clark was photographed sitting next to Olympic freestyle skiing champion Eileen Gu, who recently added to her medal haul at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games. Gu, a global sports icon with three new Olympic medals, quickly shared a selfie with the WNBA's top draft pick on her Instagram Story, sending the sports world into a frenzy.
Social Media Split Over Star-Powered Duo
The viral photo created an immediate and stark divide among fans. Some celebrated the crossover of two athletic powerhouses from different sporting universes. "Who else wants a collab between these two icons ASAP," one excited fan posted online, while another declared, "They’re a perfect duo."
However, the reaction wasn't universally positive. A significant segment of social media users criticized Clark for the association. "Acting buddy buddy with this woman, is not a good PR move by Clark," one person argued. Others came to Clark's defense, noting the practical circumstances. "It’s assigned seating. At a sponsored event. Clark has a contract with Prada. Not much she can do in this instance," a user pointed out, highlighting the professional nature of the appearance.
Eileen Gu's Polarizing Profile
The controversy stems largely from Gu's own complex and debated public image. The skier, who was born in the United States but competes for China, has faced intense scrutiny and criticism for her choice. Just days before the fashion week event, former NFL quarterback Boomer Esiason offered a blunt assessment on his radio show. "She’s a very attractive woman and she’s extremely bright, she went to Stanford. But if you listen to her post participation interviews, she’s insufferable," Esiason stated. "It’s hard to listen to."
The criticism has been even more severe from other quarters. Former NBA center Enes Kanter Freedom launched a direct attack, labeling Gu a "traitor." "She was born in America. She was raised in America, lives in America, and chooses to compete against her own country for, literally, the worst human rights abuser on the planet, China," Freedom said in a recent interview.
Gu Fires Back at Critics
Amid the ongoing backlash, Eileen Gu has remained defiant. When questioned by a reporter about perceptions of her performance at the 2026 Games, she delivered a powerful and confident retort. "I’m the most decorated female freeskier in history, I think that’s answer in and of itself," Gu began. She challenged the narrative directly, calling the focus on "two medals lost" a "ridiculous perspective."
"I’m showcasing my best skiing, I’m doing things that quite literally have never been done before, and so I think that is more than good enough," Gu asserted, showcasing the unapologetic confidence that has both captivated and alienated audiences.
For Caitlin Clark, the incident represents an early lesson in the intense spotlight that follows global stardom, where even a casual photo at a fashion event can become a cultural flashpoint. It highlights how the actions of modern athletes are scrutinized far beyond their performance in competition, intersecting with geopolitics, branding, and public perception. As both women continue to build their legacies, this moment proves that in today's sports landscape, the court and the slope are just the beginning of the story.
