Beijing 2022 Olympics: Eileen Gu reflects on swapping US for China, from receiving death threats to inspiring a new generation
- Teen recalls making ‘biggest decision’ to compete for China two years ago and thanks both parties for supporting her
- Gu overcame online trolls and own insecurities to emerge as spearhead for country’s 300 million people on snow pledge
It is safe to say that both nations have welcomed Gu’s exceptional abilities with open arms – and continue to support her regardless of flag choice, as the Stanford University-bound teen explained.
“China has been really supportive. They’ve been great, especially considering this pandemic – I know it’s been really difficult to organise things. Actually, the Chinese team couldn’t make it out here so I was the only Chinese athlete at the World Championships,” Aspen Snowmass ambassador Gu told the Post, adding that she cried when reporters at the X-Games told her she was the first Chinese athlete to win at the renowned event.
“What’s crazy was I was looking at the medal standings and China was actually up at the top. That was definitely a source of pride for me. They want the best for me, and the US has also been nothing but supportive. To have two such influential, pioneering countries showing their support for me is invaluable and gives me so much confidence.”