Eileen Gu, the American-born Olympic skier representing China, continues to spark debate and scrutiny over her decision to compete for China in the Winter Olympics. Despite her success, including multiple medals, Gu has faced backlash from public figures like JD Vance, who suggested she should represent the U.S. instead. This criticism has led to significant media attention and public outcry, resulting in Gu claiming she was ‘physically assaulted’ on campus at Stanford due to her choices. With reports of threats and assaults following her decision, Gu has become a focal point of a heated discourse regarding national identity and representation in sports. The complexities of her situation are further compounded by questions surrounding her financial ties to government funding in China. As the 2026 Winter Olympics approach, the controversy around Eileen Gu shows no signs of abating.