Eileen Gu, a freestyle skiing prodigy known for her decision to represent China despite being born in the USA, has opened up about her troubling experiences of physical assault and receiving death threats. In an interview with U.S. sports media, The Athletic, Gu recounted instances where she was attacked on the street, necessitating police intervention, and also mentioned having been threatened with death. This alarming revelation comes as she continues to navigate her dual identity in the public eye, drawing both admiration and criticism for her choice to compete for China, especially as she prepared for the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics.

Having been born in the United States, Gu originally skied for the U.S. team and garnered acclaim. However, her decision to switch to the Chinese national team in 2019 prior to the Olympics generated significant backlash in the U.S., with critics questioning her loyalty. Despite this, she has continued to thrive as an athlete, even while residing in the U.S. and attending Stanford University, where she faced further challenges from those opposing her representation of China. Gu’s career has transformed her into one of the most decorated athletes in freestyle skiing history, underlining a complex narrative of national identity and personal success against a backdrop of geopolitical tensions.

Moreover, Gu’s choice to compete for the Chinese team has not only enhanced her visibility in the sports world but also brought her considerable financial benefit, including substantial marketing rewards and government support. Reports indicate that Gu has received significant funding from the Chinese government while still living in the United States, reflecting the profound implications of her identity as both an American-born athlete and a representative of China. As such, her case can be seen as a microcosm of the larger conversation about nationality, representation, and the pressures faced by athletes in today's politically charged environment.