Olympic freestyle skier Eileen Gu has bravely opened up about the severe abuse and violent incidents she has endured since deciding to represent China at the Winter Games, rather than the United States. In a recent interview with The Athletic, the 22-year-old athlete shared harrowing details of the backlash she has faced, including a physical assault on the street near Stanford University, where she is a student.
Violent Backlash and Personal Struggles
Gu revealed that her choice to ski for China, where her mother was born, has turned some people against her, leading to extreme hostility. She reported being physically assaulted while on campus at Stanford, her mother's alma mater, and notified police about the incident. Additionally, Gu disclosed that she has received death threats and had her dormitory robbed, experiences she described as unbearable for someone her age.
"I've gone through some things as a 22-year-old that I really think no one should ever have to endure, ever," Gu told the outlet, emphasizing the emotional and physical toll of the situation. She also mentioned feeling the weight of representing two nations, stating, "Sometimes I feel like I'm carrying the weight of two countries on my shoulders."
Decision to Represent China
Gu, who was born and raised in the United States, made the decision to compete for China in 2019 when she was just 15 years old. She has consistently explained that her motivation stems from a desire to inspire young Chinese girls in the sport of skiing, where she believes there are fewer role models compared to the U.S.
"In the U.S. growing up, I had so many idols to look up to," Gu said. "But in China, I feel like there are a lot fewer of those. I'd have a much greater impact in China than in the U.S., and that's ultimately why I made my decision." She expressed pride in both her Chinese heritage and American upbringing, viewing the opportunity as a way to promote skiing globally.
Olympic Achievements and Future Plans
At the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics, Gu won two silver medals, adding to her previous collection of two golds and one silver from the 2022 Beijing Games. This makes her the most decorated female freestyle skier in Olympic history. She humorously dismissed a reporter's question about viewing her silver medals as losses, highlighting her groundbreaking career achievements.
"I'm the most decorated female freeskier in history. I think that's an answer in and of itself," Gu asserted. "Winning a medal at the Olympics is a life-changing experience for every athlete. Doing it five times is exponentially harder." She plans to return to Stanford University as a junior to complete her degree in international relations after taking the 2025-26 academic year off for training and competition.
Despite the challenges, Gu remains committed to her athletic and academic pursuits, showcasing resilience in the face of adversity. Her story sheds light on the personal sacrifices and pressures faced by international athletes in the spotlight.
