Eileen Gu says she was assaulted at Stanford amid China decision backlash

The Olympic gold medalist linked the incidents to sustained criticism over her 2019 decision to compete for China instead of the U.S.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Freestyle skier Eileen Gu, who enrolled at Stanford University in 2022, said she was 'physically assaulted on the street' while on campus and has received death threats due to the backlash over her decision to compete for China instead of the U.S. at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. The 22-year-old Olympic gold medalist described the cumulative toll of years of scrutiny, stating 'I've gone through some things as a 22-year-old that I really think no one should ever have to endure, ever.'

Why it matters

Gu's decision at age 15 to represent her mother's birth country of China made her one of the most high-profile athletes to switch national affiliation ahead of the 2022 Beijing Olympics. The move drew criticism in the U.S., with some labeling her 'ungrateful' and 'opportunistic,' raising questions about loyalty and framing her nationality choice as a matter of allegiance rather than a career decision.

The details

Gu said the police were called after the alleged assault on Stanford's campus, and she has also had her dorm robbed and received death threats. The star athlete has consistently defended her national team decision, stating she was 'proud of my heritage, and equally proud of my American upbringings.' Despite the controversy, Gu won two gold medals and one silver at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, becoming the first freestyle skier to capture three medals at a single Games.

  • Gu enrolled at Stanford University in 2022.

The players

Eileen Gu

A 22-year-old freestyle skier who won two gold medals and one silver at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, becoming the first freestyle skier to capture three medals at a single Games.

Stanford University

The university where Gu is currently enrolled as a student.

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What they’re saying

“The police were called. I've had death threats. I've had my dorm robbed.”

— Eileen Gu, Olympic gold medalist (The Athletic)

“In the U.S. growing up, I had so many idols to look up to. 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.”

— Eileen Gu (The Athletic)

The takeaway

This case highlights the intense scrutiny and backlash that high-profile athletes can face when making decisions about national affiliation, even when those decisions are based on personal and professional considerations rather than a matter of loyalty. Gu's experience underscores the need for greater understanding and support for athletes navigating complex identity and career choices.