Eileen Gu is at the top of her sport. Now, she’s out to fight ‘the bad guys’
Eileen Gu is at the top of her sport. Now, she’s out to fight ‘the bad guys’
From Quantum Physics to Olympic Dominance
Eileen Gu has always embraced challenges, whether in the realm of quantum physics during her time at Stanford or on the slopes as a freestyle skier. At 22, she stands as the most decorated athlete in her discipline, having reached the pinnacle of her career. Yet, her meteoric rise has not come without scrutiny. Critics have targeted her for her decision to compete for China, despite being born and raised in the United States. This choice, made in 2019, has sparked a mix of admiration and hostility, a duality she has learned to navigate.
Defining Success Through Resilience
Gu’s journey reflects her evolving perspective on success. During a conversation at the IWC Schaffhausen event in Geneva, she shared insights on her mindset. “When I was younger, I thought success meant making things look effortless,” she said. “But as I grew, I realized that the more you achieve, the more people will criticize you for it. And once you’re not the underdog, it’s easier for others to support someone else.”
“The more successful you become, the more people hate you for it.”
Her words underscore the tension between triumph and criticism. In 2022, at just 18, Gu was the underdog, yet her performance in Beijing—securing gold in big air and halfpipe, and a slopestyle silver—made her the youngest Olympic freestyle skiing champion. Her consistency in messaging, rooted in personal growth and advocacy, has become a cornerstone of her identity.
Confronting External Pressures
Following her standout performance in Beijing, Gu faced intensified expectations at the 2022 Winter Games in Milan Cortina. The weight of public scrutiny, she noted, grows with each success. “The difficulty of the sport increases as you become more successful,” she explained. “People expect more, and the challenge becomes harder, even if they don’t always see it.”
“Even though people start to expect it more from you, each time it becomes more difficult, and I think a lot of people might not recognize that.”
Her resilience shone through when she claimed two silver medals, cementing her status as the all-time most decorated freestyle skier. When asked if the silvers were “two gains or two losses,” she confidently replied, “I’m the most decorated female freeskier in history. That’s an answer in and of itself.”
Representing China: A Point of Contention
Gu’s allegiance to China has been a focal point of debate. During the 2022 Games, US Vice President JD Vance was pressed to comment on her choice, calling her “treasonous” for not speaking out on human rights. Vance responded with measured neutrality, saying he had “no idea” about her status. Gu, however, saw the criticism as a reflection of broader biases. “So many athletes compete for different countries,” she remarked. “People only have a problem with me because they see China as a single entity and hate it. Plus, I win.”
“People only have a problem with me doing it because they kind of lump China into this monolithic entity, and they just hate China. And also because I win.”
She has since shared stories of online vitriol and physical attacks, highlighting the dual burden of representing two nations. “If you seek out hatred, you’ll find it,” she admitted. “I don’t really care about the demographics of my critics. It’s all about the message.”
A Champion’s Vision for the Future
Gu’s focus remains on using her platform to inspire. She values education and clarity in communication, striving to convey her vision of self-improvement and global progress. “I’ve stayed consistent in my beliefs,” she said. “I want to show people that struggles are universal, and if Eileen can overcome them, so can they.” Her confidence in her message has turned her into a symbol of perseverance, even as the spotlight continues to test her resolve.
“The same holds true for love and joy and spor.”
