Incident Involving Eileen Gu
American freestyle skier Eileen Gu has reported experiences of “physical assault,” robbery, and even death threats during her time at Stanford University. This troubling situation stemmed from her contentious choice to represent her mother’s homeland, China, at the 2022 Olympics.
In a discussion with a publication, Gu shared that at just 15 years old, she faced public backlash after opting not to compete for the United States during the Beijing Olympics, which led to an attack on her in the street.
“I was physically assaulted on the street,” Gu recounted, referring to the alarming event that transpired recently while she was at Livigno for the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics in 2026.
“The police were involved. I received death threats. My dorm was robbed,” she explained, painting a picture of the intense challenges she faced. She reflected, “At 22, I encountered situations I believe no one should have to experience.”
According to reports, Stamford police directed inquiries to the Department of Public Safety, which has yet to respond publicly.
Gu, who resides in the U.S., gained admission to Stanford University in 2022 despite opposition from a group of prospective students and Chinese-American parents aiming to block her enrollment.
“Sometimes it feels like I’m bearing the burden of two countries,” Gu admitted.
Being the daughter of an American father and a Chinese mother, she defended her decision to compete for China through an Instagram post in 2019. “I cherish my heritage, yet I’m equally proud of my American upbringing. Participating in the 2022 Beijing Olympic Winter Games allows me to inspire countless young individuals, and that’s an invaluable chance to promote a sport I am passionate about,” she stated.
2026 Winter Olympics
Gu uses her platform to emphasize the importance of unity and friendship among nations. “Through skiing, I aspire to bridge gaps, foster understanding, and build connections,” she expressed. “If I can motivate even one young girl to transcend boundaries, my mission will be fulfilled.”
On a triumphant note, Gu secured a silver medal in the women’s big air final on Monday. Impressively, she is the only female skier to take part in all three freestyle disciplines at the Winter Olympics held in the Italian Alps: slopestyle, big air, and halfpipe.
With a remarkable resume of 20 World Cup victories, two Olympic gold medals, and three silver medals, Gu stands as a towering figure in women’s freestyle skiing. Recently, reports have suggested that she is the highest-paid athlete at the 2026 Winter Olympics, with annual earnings of $23.1 million.
Beyond her skiing accomplishments, Gu holds the title of president at IMG Models and has done modeling for major brands including Victoria’s Secret, Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, Tiffany & Co., and Louis Vuitton.
