Eileen Gu claims she's been 'physically assaulted' over representing China at Olympics

The Olympic skier says she's faced backlash, death threats, and even a robbery since choosing to compete for China instead of the US.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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Eileen Gu, the Olympic freestyle skier who was born in San Francisco but chose to represent China at the 2022 and 2026 Olympics, has claimed she has been 'physically assaulted' and received death threats over her decision. Gu, who is the most decorated female Olympic freestyle skier of all time, says the backlash has included police being called, her dorm being robbed, and other traumatic experiences that no 22-year-old should have to endure.

Why it matters

Gu's decision to compete for China instead of the US has sparked significant controversy, with some public figures like former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom calling her a 'traitor.' The attacks Gu has faced highlight the intense scrutiny and vitriol that athletes can face when making decisions about national team representation, especially when it involves a geopolitical rival like China.

The details

Gu, who was born in San Francisco but whose mother is from China, made the decision in 2019 to compete for China instead of the US. This decision has drawn significant backlash, with Gu claiming she has been 'physically assaulted on the street,' had her dorm robbed, and received death threats. The police have even been called in some instances. Prominent figures like former Vice President JD Vance and ex-NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom have been highly critical of Gu's decision, with Kanter Freedom calling her a 'traitor' for competing for 'the worst human rights abuser on the planet, China.'

  • Gu made the decision to compete for China in 2019.

The players

Eileen Gu

A 22-year-old Olympic freestyle skier who was born in San Francisco but chose to represent China at the 2022 and 2026 Olympics, becoming the most decorated female Olympic freestyle skier of all time.

JD Vance

Former Vice President who said he 'would hope' someone born in the US would want to represent the US in the Olympics.

Enes Kanter Freedom

Former NBA player who has been outspoken against China and its alleged human rights abuses, and who called Gu a 'traitor' for competing for China.

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What they’re saying

“The police were called. I've had death threats. I've had my dorm robbed. I've gone through some things as a 22-year-old that I really think no one should ever have to endure, ever.”

— Eileen Gu (The Athletic)

“I certainly think that someone who grew up in the United States of America who benefited from our education system, from the freedoms and liberties that makes this country a great place, I would hope they want to compete with the United States of America.”

— JD Vance, Former Vice President (Fox News Channel)

“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. She built her fame in a free country, and then chooses to represent an authoritarian regime.”

— Enes Kanter Freedom, Former NBA Player (Fox News)

What’s next

Gu is expected to continue competing for China at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, where she will look to add to her medal haul after winning two silvers in 2026 and two golds in 2022.

The takeaway

Gu's decision to represent China instead of the US has sparked intense backlash, including physical assaults, death threats, and robberies, highlighting the high stakes and scrutiny that athletes face when making choices about national team representation, especially when it involves a geopolitical rival like China.