Laura Woods defends Eileen Gu amid criticism
British broadcaster Laura Woods has spoken out in defence of Olympic skier Eileen Gu following criticism from American journalist Megan Basham, reports BritPanorama.
Woods described the negative reaction to Gu as “baffling” in a response on social media. She questioned why the skier’s confidence is often perceived as arrogance, stating: “Why is confidence and pride always reframed as arrogance?”
The criticism arises from Gu’s recent interview where she humorously addressed whether her one gold and two silver medals felt like two golds lost. Responding pointedly, Gu remarked: “I am the most decorated female freeskier in history, I think that is an answer in and of itself.”
Her comments have provoked backlash, particularly among some American supporters who view her decision to represent China rather than her birth country as a betrayal. Basham commented that Gu’s perceived arrogance overshadowed her accomplishments, declaring, “I don’t care how many medals she has, there is nothing about her I would encourage my daughters to emulate.”
Woods firmly rejected this viewpoint, expressing that Gu is a role model, saying: “Clearly not seen any of her other interviews before if you don’t think she’s a role model. Would love my kid to turn out like her.” She praised Gu’s intelligence and unfiltered interview style.
Gu’s recent Olympic performance included silver medals in the women’s big air and slopestyle events, along with a gold in the halfpipe, solidifying her position as the most decorated freeskier in Olympic history with a total of six medals across two Games appearances. At just 22, her athletic prowess has led to substantial commercial success, making her the fourth highest-paid female athlete for 2025.
Given her remarkable achievements and the inherent challenges of her sport, Gu’s journey underscores how complex the intersection of athletic success and national identity can be. In an era where public personas are scrutinised, her ability to navigate criticism while continuing to perform at an elite level is a testament to her resilience.
