Breaking News: Eileen Gu Faces Criticism Amid Olympic Success
Eileen Gu, a freestyle skier representing China, has become a prominent figure in the 2026 Winter Olympics. Born in California to an American father and Chinese mother, Gu is currently on a sabbatical from Stanford University, where she studies international relations.
In 2019, at age 15, Gu switched her allegiance from the United States to China. She aimed to inspire young people in Beijing, her mother’s birthplace, ahead of the 2022 Olympics. Forbes recently ranked her as the fourth-highest paid female athlete for 2025, earning $23.1 million, mainly from endorsements with brands like Red Bull and Porsche.
However, her decision to compete for China has drawn criticism, especially regarding human rights issues in the country. Former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom labeled her a “traitor” for competing against the U.S. while enjoying American freedoms.
At the start of the Olympics, American skier Hunter Hess expressed concerns about U.S. immigration policies, prompting Gu to defend athletes speaking out. She stated, “As someone who’s been caught in the crossfire before, I feel sorry for the athletes.” Gu has not publicly criticized China’s human rights record, stating she is not an expert on the issue.
