On Instagram on 3/3, Gu revealed her decision to leave the US team and represent China was made when she was 15 years old. This choice was linked to her lifelong interest in women's sports and gender equality.

"I gave my first speech about women in sports and anti-discrimination clauses when I was 11 years old", Gu wrote. "At that time, I was the only girl on the ski team, and I soon realized the feeling of having to represent all women every time I entered the competition arena. Landing a complex jump flawlessly would silence the snide implications of 'skiing like a girl'".

Eileen Gu receives a medal at Livigno Snow Park, Valtellina Valley, Lombardy, Italy, during the Olympic Winter Games on 22/2/2026. Photo: Xinhua

Before transitioning to compete for China, Gu spent one season with the US team and remains "forever grateful" for that period, maintaining close ties with her former team. However, she recognized the limitations of freestyle skiing in China. From the age of 8, Gu spent every summer in China organizing trampoline and ramp summer camps for children and adults, from 7 to 47 years old. "I feel like I know almost everyone in the industry", she wrote.

According to Gu, competing for China provided an opportunity to spread sports culture to "hundreds of millions of people who had never heard of freestyle skiing", especially with the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics approaching. Looking back at 22 years old, she believes what was once a dream has become a reality. "Now, terrain parks are full of young girls who no longer question their place in this sport. Millions of girls have started skiing since then, in China and worldwide", Gu shared.

She admitted her choice was not universally supported. "Many people will not understand or believe that I made this decision to create the most positive impact on the world stage", Gu added. "Three gold and three silver medals are the clearest testament to my journey".

Beyond statements about personal motivations, the "Snow Princess" also faced political questions. In an interview with Time magazine, when asked about the Uyghur issue in Xinjiang, she stated she had not thoroughly researched it and did not wish to become a spokesperson for any agenda. Gu considered it irresponsible to demand political statements from her, and she needed to gather more information before providing an answer.

Controversy also grew after the Wall Street Journal reported that Gu and another American-born athlete competing for China received a total of USD 6,6 million from the Beijing Municipal Sports Bureau in 2025. Gu is also the highest-earning Winter Olympian globally, estimated to have earned USD 23 million in 2025 through contracts with Chinese and Western businesses.

Her decision was also criticized by some US politicians. Vice President JD Vance stated he hoped that individuals who grew up in the US education system and benefited from American freedoms would choose to compete for the US. Gu countered that she became a "punching bag" for a certain political faction in the US.

Gu also revealed that she had received death threats, had her dormitory broken into, and was attacked, requiring police intervention. "I have experienced things that a 22-year-old should not have to endure", she emphasized.

Eileen Gu (Han Viet name: Guc Ailing) was born on 3/9/2003 in San Francisco, California, US. The athlete, nicknamed the "Snow Princess", competed for the US national team until 2019 before deciding to represent China. After the 2026 Winter Olympics, she became the most decorated freestyle skier in history, despite being only 22 years old.

Hoang An (according to Fox News)