Olympic freestyle skier Eileen Gu has revealed shocking details about her experiences at Stanford University, opening up about personal challenges that have marked her journey as an international athlete.

In a candid interview with The Athletic, the 22-year-old shared disturbing accounts of assault and intimidation she faced after choosing to represent China in international competitions. Gu, who was born in San Francisco to an American father and Chinese mother, explained that her decision to ski for China was driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact, not financial gain.

“I’ve gone through some things as a 22-year-old that I really think no one should ever have to endure,” Gu stated. She disclosed experiencing physical assault on campus, receiving death threats, and having her dorm room robbed – incidents that highlight the intense scrutiny and controversy surrounding her athletic career.

Despite the challenges, Gu remains committed to her athletic and social goals. She emphasized that her primary motivation was to inspire young athletes, particularly girls, in China, where she felt she could create more significant change than in the United States.

Her Olympic performance has been remarkable. With five medals – more than any other freeskier in history – Gu has become a global sports icon. Chinese fans affectionately call her “The Snow Princess,” and her international profile has translated into approximately $23 million annually in sponsorships and modeling contracts.

The controversy surrounding Gu’s nationality choice has been persistent. A petition by Chinese American students and parents attempted to prevent her enrollment at Stanford, her mother’s alma mater. However, Gu was accepted via early admission in December 2020 and remains focused on her athletic and personal goals.

As the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics continue, Gu has already secured two silver medals in Freeski Slopestyle and Big Air, with one more opportunity for gold in the women’s halfpipe event.

Her story underscores the complex intersection of athletic ambition, personal identity, and the intense public scrutiny faced by young international athletes navigating multiple cultural landscapes.