American-Born Skier Who Chose China Over Team USA Suffers ‘Terrible Accident’

Controversial U.S.-born Chinese Olympic skier Eileen Gu is at the center of a shocking incident after suffering a reported “terrible accident” during training in New Zealand last week — an ordeal that has left fans and critics buzzing worldwide.

Eyewitnesses at the Cardrona Alpine Resort told the South China Morning Post that Gu, 21, appeared to suffer “serious injuries” after a devastating mishap on the slopes. Onlookers said the star was carried away on a stretcher and rushed to the hospital for emergency treatment. While exact details remain unclear, Gu later broke her silence on China’s social media platform Weibo, calling it a “very terrible accident caused by human error.”

“Hopefully, I’ll be back on the snow soon,” Gu wrote. “But I’m still waiting for final confirmation from the expert team.” The skiing prodigy also issued a surprising plea to fans and media: “I have to concentrate fully during training, especially when preparing to start. Please don’t record or take photos while I’m training.” She explained that her schedule is so intense she skips lunch breaks and even minimizes bathroom stops just to maximize her time on the slopes.

The incident comes as Gu remains one of the most polarizing figures in global sports. Born and raised in California, she became an international sensation after choosing to compete for China instead of the U.S. at the 2022 Beijing Olympics — a decision that sparked furious debate among American fans and lawmakers.

At the Games, Gu dodged questions about her citizenship, fueling speculation about whether she secretly gave up her U.S. passport. China doesn’t allow dual citizenship, but state media claimed she became a Chinese national at age 15. “I’ve spent at least a quarter of my life in China,” Gu once said, painting herself as a “bridge” between cultures. But critics accused her of abandoning the U.S. for fame and lucrative endorsement deals.

Despite the controversy, Gu dominated the slopes in Beijing, winning two gold medals and a silver while becoming one of China’s most celebrated athletes. She later confirmed plans to represent China again in the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Now, her sudden training accident has thrown her future into question, leaving fans wondering whether the golden girl of Chinese skiing will make a full recovery — and whether her polarizing Olympic journey will continue.