Olympic Champ Eileen Gu's Secret Life: Roommate's View

Lauren Koong, a Stanford University freshman, offers a unique perspective on her roommate, Olympic freestyle skiing champion Eileen Gu. Koong describes their shared experiences, from academic discussions to navigating the complexities of Gu's global celebrity.

Gu's academic commitment is extraordinary; she majors in international relations and has completed assignments while traveling for competitions, even attending classes remotely. Koong notes Gu's dedication, stating she is "locked in at school" when present, and excels due to an "insatiable work ethic."

Despite her immense success and earnings, Gu also faces significant challenges. She has experienced unsettling moments on campus, including an assault, and deals with intense scrutiny regarding her decision to represent China. Gu acknowledges feeling like a "punching bag for a certain strand of American politics."

Koong emphasizes Gu's grounding personality, noting that despite her fame and wealth, she remains the same person off-camera as she is on. The friendship offers Gu a sense of normalcy, allowing her to discuss her struggles and pressures, such as the "weight of two countries on my back."