Eileen Gu Responds to Reporter Questioning Silver Medals' Value

Freestyle skier Eileen Gu, a five-time Olympic medalist, stands as the most accomplished athlete in her discipline's history. Her accolades speak volumes, leaving little room for reporters to undermine her achievements.

Following her silver medal win in the women’s freeski slopestyle on February 16, Gu faced the media. One reporter provocatively asked whether she viewed her two second-place finishes as “two silvers gained or two golds lost.” Earlier, she had also secured silver in the women’s big air at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Gu, 22, responded with a hearty laugh, clearly amused by the question.

“I’m the most decorated female freeskier in history. I think that’s an answer in and of itself,” she stated, her tone reflecting both confidence and disbelief. “How do I say this? Winning a medal at the Olympics is a life-changing experience for every athlete. Doing it five times is exponentially harder.”

She elaborated, “The two medals lost situation, to be quite frank with you, I think is kind of a ridiculous perspective to take. I’m showcasing my best skiing. I’m doing things that quite literally have never been done before and so I think that is more than good enough, but thank you.”

Gu's choice to represent China, despite being born and raised in the United States, has previously stirred controversy. She also competed for China during the 2022 Beijing Games.

Recently, Gu revealed that she has faced “physical assaults” on the street for her decision not to represent the U.S.

“The police were called. I’ve had death threats. I’ve had my dorm robbed,” she shared with The Athletic in an interview published on February 17. “I’ve gone through some things as a 22-year-old that I really think no one should ever have to endure, ever.”

“Sometimes I feel like I’m carrying the weight of two countries on my shoulders,” she added, highlighting the emotional toll of her situation.

The backlash against her decision has drawn comments from political figures like Vice President JD Vance, who expressed his preference for athletes who identify as Americans during a Fox News appearance. He stated he would root for “people who identify themselves as Americans.”

Former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom escalated the criticism, labeling Gu a “traitor.”

“She was born in America, raised in America, lives in America, and chose to compete against her own country for the worst human rights abuser on the planet, China,” he posted on X earlier this month. “She built her fame in a free country, then chose to represent an authoritarian regime while cashing in on endorsements linked by watchdog groups to mass detention and forced labor camps. When human rights come up, she disappears.”

Despite facing significant backlash, Gu remains focused on her passion for skiing and the opportunity to compete at the highest level.

“I’m here because I want to be, not just because it’s the default option for me,” she asserted during her media session on Monday. “I’ve said if I wanted to retire and feel good about myself for the rest of my life I could, but I don’t because I love this sport now more than ever. The feeling of pushing past who I was yesterday and becoming a little bit better tomorrow is something that is truly addictive and something that I’m so in love with. I think last Olympics was an opportunity and this Olympics is a privilege.”

Gu still has a chance to secure a sixth Olympic medal on February 19 when she competes in the freeski halfpipe at the Milano Cortina games.