Elaine Gu (Image via Getty)
Elaine Gu is back in the spotlight, but this time it’s not just about skating. The 22-year-old freestyle skier, who was born in San Francisco, is once again being talked about over her decision to represent China instead of the United States.
The topic was brought up again after comments by US Vice President J.D. Vance, who questioned why athletes who grew up in America would choose to compete for other countries.Gu didn’t go into a long explanation this time. In a recent interview with Esquire, she put the topic aside in a very simple way. “It’s old news,” she said. Her short response showed that she has moved on, although the controversy continues to haunt her.
Eileen Gu handles criticism and opens up about future plans and personal loss
Earlier this year during the Winter Games, Gu had already responded to criticism.
When asked about J.D. Vance’s comments, she responded with a mixture of humor and confidence. “I’m flattered. Thanks, JD! That’s lovely,” she said. She then added: “A lot of athletes compete for a different country. People only have a problem doing it because they lump China into this monolithic entity, and they hate China. And also because I won.”
Like if I wasn’t feeling well, I think they probably wouldn’t care so much.
While the debate over her nationality continues, Goo made one thing clear. You’re not done with the Olympics. At just 22 years old, she has already competed in two Winter Games and won six medals. But she believes there is more to come. “I feel like I have more to do with the sport,” she said. “Maybe I can participate in another Olympics, or maybe two.”Her life wasn’t limited to skating anymore. Following her recent success, especially during the Winter Games in Italy, Jo’s fame has expanded beyond sports.
She is now also known as a model, influencer, and student at Stanford University. Speaking about her identity, she said: “I don’t know what my job title is. I think it’s just Elaine.”She explained it in her own unique way. “I didn’t fit in the pond, so I made my own. I’m not a big fish in a small pond, and I’m not a small fish in a big pond. I’m just the only fish in my pond.”Behind this success, there was also a painful moment. During the Games, Gu learned that her grandmother, Feng Guochen, had died.
The news came just minutes after she won gold in the halfpipe. She later shared her feelings at a press conference.“The reason I’m late is because I just learned that my grandmother passed away. She was a big part of my life growing up and someone I looked up to a lot,” she said.She added: “She was very strong, and she was a fighter. This woman took control of life and took control and achieved what she wanted to be, and she inspired me so much.”
