She’s a 22-year-old Stanford undergraduate studying quantum physics. A fashion model signed to the world’s biggest agency. One of the highest-earning female athletes on the planet, with more than $23 million in earnings last year alone.
And as of this week, Eileen Gu is also a two-time Olympic medalist at the Milan Winter Games.
But for the freestyle skiing superstar, the accolades have come with an unprecedented level of personal attacks—and this time, she’s no longer staying silent.
The San Francisco-born athlete, who competes for China, has faced a fresh wave of criticism over her national allegiance, amplified by right-wing platforms and conservative politicians tapping into “America First” nationalism. After securing silver in the freeski slopestyle competition on February 9, Gu offered a rare glimpse into what she’s endured.
“I’ve been through a lot in the last four years and even beyond that,” she told reporters. “I’ve gone through things at 22 that I don’t think any person ever should have to deal with, be it threats, vitriol, online hate, physical attacks—you name it, the list goes on.”
Her response: “But I get stronger, right? That’s what’s so wonderful about being young. You adapt, you learn and you get stronger and better.”
‘Carrying the weight of two countries’
Gu first announced she would compete for China in 2015—a decision that has followed her ever since. While many dual-nationality American athletes opt to represent other countries for personal or professional reasons, few have attracted scrutiny like Gu amid rising geopolitical tensions between the US and China.
Critics have pointed to China’s human rights record, including the treatment of Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang—a subject Gu has not publicly addressed. Others argue she benefited from American education and training while turning her back on her country of birth.
The debate reignited during the current Winter Olympics, with conservative commentators and politicians wading in. Florida Sen. Rick Scott and Tennessee Rep. Andy Ogles have accused Gu of supporting American adversaries. Former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom branded her a “traitor” on X, writing: “She was born in America, raised in America, lives in America, and chose to compete against her own country for the worst human rights abuser on the planet.”
Even Vice President JD Vance was asked to weigh in during a Fox News interview—though he stopped short of calling her actions “treasonous,” saying only that he hoped athletes who grew up in the US would want to compete for it.
Gu, for her part, has never wavered from her core message: she is proud to be both Chinese and American. But the dual identity carries weight.
“Sometimes it feels like I’m carrying the weight of two countries on my shoulders,” she said after competing last week.
Real-world consequences
The online vitriol has spilled into Gu’s daily life. At Stanford University, where she enrolled in 2022, she told The Athletic she was “physically assaulted on the street,” received death threats, and had her dormitory robbed.
Ahead of the Milan Games, she told Reuters she feels “a lot lighter” now after growing up and finding perspective. “I’ve won more World Cups than any freeskier ever, male or female. I am currently tied for most Olympic medals,” she said. “Before, I think, I was doing what I knew how to do; now I’m doing what I want to do.”
Her commercial success has only grown. Forbes ranks her the world’s fourth highest-paid female athlete, with earnings driven largely by endorsements from Red Bull, Porsche, IWC Schaffhausen, and luxury fashion houses like Louis Vuitton. Her fluency in Mandarin has made her a national icon in China, where she’s affectionately known as the “snow princess.”
‘I want to protect others’
In China, the reception is markedly different. Fans celebrated her two silver medals this week, defending her against criticism for missing gold—a notable stance in a country that often rewards only top winners.
“Real champions aren’t just defined by gold medals; Eileen will always deserve all the applause,” one user commented on Chinese platform Weibo. State broadcaster CCTV hailed her as the “pride of China.”
Speaking in Mandarin to Chinese media, Gu was candid about what she’s faced—and what she hopes to spare others from.
“It hasn’t become any easier, I’ve just become stronger and can endure more,” she said with a rueful laugh. “I want to protect others, and hope others won’t be attacked and cyberbullied like I have.”
As the Milan Games continue, Gu remains focused on what she can control: her performance. But she’s no longer the 18-year-old Olympic debutant who tried to stay above the fray.
“I’ve gone through some tough times,” she told Reuters. “I went to college, grew up a little bit, and now I feel a lot lighter.”
