Eileen Gu, as told by her Stanford roommate: ‘One of the smartest people I’ve ever met’
The New York Times • • sports
Key Points:
- Lauren Koong, a Stanford freshman, became roommates and close friends with Olympic freestyle skiing star Eileen Gu, experiencing firsthand both the perks and challenges of Gu's celebrity status on campus.
- Gu, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and one of the highest-paid female athletes globally, balances her demanding athletic career, modeling, and studies in international relations, often attending classes remotely due to competitions.
- Despite her success, Gu faces significant scrutiny and political controversy in the U.S. over her decision to represent China, enduring online abuse and criticism from politicians, which has taken a toll on her mental health.
- Koong highlights Gu's strong work ethic, humility, and genuine personality, noting that despite fame and wealth, Gu remains
