Freestyle Ski Star Eileen Gu Reveals Physical Assault at Stanford University Over Olympic Team Choice
Freestyle skiing sensation Eileen Gu has made shocking allegations about her time at Stanford University, revealing she was physically assaulted on campus and received death threats due to her decision to represent China rather than her native United States in the Winter Olympics.
Violent Incident and Ongoing Harassment
In a disturbing interview with The Athletic published Tuesday, Gu disclosed that she was "physically assaulted on the street" near Stanford's campus, requiring police intervention. The 22-year-old athlete described a pattern of harassment that has plagued her since beginning her studies at the prestigious university in 2022.
"I've had death threats," Gu revealed. "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."
Controversial Admission and Olympic Success
Gu's enrollment at Stanford faced opposition from the beginning, with The Athletic reporting that a petition circulated by parents of potential students and Chinese Americans sought to block her admission. Despite this resistance, she began her studies shortly after achieving international fame and controversy at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, where she won two gold medals and one silver competing for China.
The athletic star has continued her Olympic success at the Milan-Cortina Games, adding two silver medals with one event remaining. Her achievements have been overshadowed by persistent criticism of her team choice.
Political Backlash and Public Criticism
The condemnation has intensified in recent days, with former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom calling Gu a "traitor" who has chosen an "authoritarian regime" during a Fox News appearance. Host Laura Ingraham characterized Gu as an ingrate who now aligns with communist interests.
Vice President JD Vance added to the criticism, stating he was rooting for U.S. Olympic athletes "who identify themselves as Americans."
Gu's Defense and Financial Considerations
Gu, who initiated her team switch to China in 2019, has consistently defended her decision, explaining she chose to compete for her mother's country because "the U.S. already has the representation." She has dismissed speculation that financial considerations motivated her choice, despite reports indicating that a significant portion of her estimated $23 million income comes from the Chinese government.
The athlete's supporters have suggested that the vitriol directed at her stems partly from racism and Sinophobia, noting that numerous U.S.-born athletes compete for other countries without facing similar backlash.
University Response and Ongoing Situation
The Athletic reported that Stanford University's department of public safety did not respond to requests for comment about the assault allegations. HuffPost has also reached out to the university for clarification regarding the incident and the broader safety concerns raised by Gu's statements.
As Gu prepares for her final event in Milan-Cortina, the spotlight remains on both her athletic performance and the disturbing revelations about her treatment at one of America's most prestigious educational institutions.
