Eileen Gu Advances to Olympic Freeski Halfpipe Final Amid Threats
Updated (4 articles)
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Image: NewsweekSilver medalist Ailing Eileen Gu of Team People’s Republic of China looks on from the podium after the Women’s Slopestyle Final on day three of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Livigno Snow Park on February 09, 2026 in Livigno, Italy. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images) Source Full size -
Image: NewsweekSilver medalist Ailing Eileen Gu of Team People’s Republic of China looks on from the podium after the Women’s Slopestyle Final on day three of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Livigno Snow Park on February 09, 2026 in Livigno, Italy. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images) Source Full size
Fall on First Run Leads to Fifth‑Place Qualifying Score Gu clipped the halfpipe lip on her opening attempt, lost her left ski and skidded to the bottom before delivering a clean second run that earned 86.50 points, securing fifth place among the 12 qualifiers [1][2]. Britain’s 2025 world champion Zoe Atkin topped qualifying with 91.50 points, followed by China’s Li Fanghui in second [1][2]. Canadian gold‑medalist Cassie Sharpe fell hard and required a stretcher, while Americans Svea Irving and Kate Gray also reached the final [2].
Veteran Medalist Targets Sixth Gold in Saturday Final The 22‑year‑old U.S.–born skier, competing for China, has medaled in all five of her previous Olympic events, including two silvers in Italy and three medals at Beijing 2022 [1][2]. She aims to win all six events she entered and capture a sixth gold in the upcoming final [1][2]. Gu expressed relief and renewed confidence after qualifying, saying the run reinforced her self‑belief [1][2].
Death Threats and Assault Follow Representation Choice After announcing she would represent China, Gu reported a street assault on Stanford’s campus, a robbed dormitory, and death threats that prompted a police response [3][4]. Right‑wing commentators and several U.S. politicians labeled her a “traitor,” intensifying the backlash amid heightened U.S.–China tensions [4]. Gu said the abuse strengthens her resolve to protect others [4].
China Pays $6.6 Million and Brands Elevate Profile Reports indicate China provided a combined $6.6 million to Gu and fellow American‑born skier Zhu Yi to secure their participation on the Chinese team [3]. Gu’s earnings topped $23 million in 2025, bolstered by sponsorships with Red Bull, Porsche, IWC and IMG Models, and she balances a Stanford quantum‑physics degree with a modeling career [4]. Chinese media celebrate her as a national icon, while U.S. criticism focuses on her nationality switch [4].
Sources
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1.
WBNS: Eileen Gu Secures Spot in Olympic Freeski Halfpipe Final After Fall: Details Gu’s fall, 86.50‑point second run, fifth‑place qualification, her relief quote, and her pursuit of a sixth gold, noting her prior Olympic medals .
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King5: Eileen Gu Advances to Freeski Halfpipe Final After Fall: Mirrors WBNS on qualifying specifics, adds context on other athletes’ performances, and emphasizes Gu’s goal of a sixth gold .
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3.
Newsweek: Eileen Gu Reports Death Threats After Representing China at 2026 Olympics: Highlights the death threats, assault, $6.6 million payment, and her status as the most decorated female freestyle skier .
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4.
CNN: Eileen Gu’s Olympic Triumph Meets Rising Backlash Over China Representation: Provides insight into Gu’s Stanford studies, $23 million earnings, political condemnation, and Chinese media praise .
Timeline
Feb 2022 – Gu wins gold in big‑air and half‑pipe and silver in slopestyle at the Beijing Winter Olympics, becoming the first freestyle skier to capture multiple golds for China and establishing her as the most decorated female Olympic freestyle skier [2].
2025 – While studying quantum physics at Stanford, Gu tops athlete earnings by making over $23 million from modeling and sponsorship deals, ranking among the world’s highest‑paid female athletes [1].
2025 – China reportedly pays Gu and fellow U.S.–born skier Zhu Yi a combined $6.6 million to secure their spots on the Chinese team for the 2026 Winter Games, illustrating Beijing’s strategic investment in star athletes [2].
2025 – Gu publicly announces she will represent China rather than the United States at the 2026 Milano‑Cortina Olympics, igniting controversy in both countries ahead of the Games [2].
Feb 9, 2026 – In a Stanford press conference, Gu reveals she has endured death threats, a street assault, a robbed dormitory and ongoing cyber‑bullying, saying the abuse “makes her stronger” and fuels her desire to protect others [1].
Feb 2026 – Right‑wing media and “America First” platforms intensify attacks on Gu; Florida Sen. Rick Scott, Tenn. Rep. Andy Ogles and activist Enes Kanter Freedom label her a “traitor,” while Vice President JD Vance says he has “no idea” what her status should be [1].
Feb 2026 – Competing for China, Gu adds two silver medals in freeski slopestyle and big‑air at the Milano‑Cortina Games, tying the record for most Olympic medals by a freeskier and cementing her legacy [1].
Feb 19, 2026 – After clipping the half‑pipe lip and losing a ski on her first run, Gu delivers a clean second run scoring 86.50 points, placing fifth and qualifying for the final; she says, “I was relieved… I’m glad that I was able to reinforce my sense of self‑belief at the moment when it counted.” [3][4]
Feb 22, 2026 (Saturday) – Gu prepares for the half‑pipe final, aiming for a perfect score and a sixth Olympic gold to win all six events she entered, while the competition draws global attention [3][4].
Feb 2026 – Chinese state media and major brands celebrate Gu as a national icon, highlighting partnerships with Red Bull, Porsche, IWC and IMG Models, and domestic social‑media users praise her despite U.S. criticism [1].
External resources (8 links)
- https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7049798/2026/02/17/eileen-gu-winter-olympics-freestyle-skiing-china-controversy/ (cited 2 times)
- https://www.forbes.com/sites/justinbirnbaum/2025/12/16/the-worlds-highest-paid-female-athletes-2025/ (cited 1 times)
- https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/culture-current/eileen-gu-freedom-pressure-fear-2026-02-09/ (cited 1 times)
- https://www.reuters.com/sports/freestyle-skiing-champion-gremaud-retains-slopestyle-gold-title-winter-games-2026-02-09/ (cited 1 times)
- https://weibo.com/2993049293/QsbTEFhd7?refer_flag=1001030103_ (cited 1 times)
- https://weibo.com/3911901482/QscVx70am?refer_flag=1001030103_ (cited 1 times)
- https://x.com/RepOgles/status/2023830438708736080 (cited 1 times)
- https://x.com/SenRickScott/status/2021577132099436676 (cited 1 times)