Woods challenged the characterisation of the 22-year-old athlete’s self-assurance as arrogance, posting: “Why is confidence and pride always reframed as arrogance?”

The broadcaster questioned whether such criticism was gendered, asking: “You don’t get to the top level without self belief. Why is it necessary to be coy about your achievements? Or is it just a female thing.”

Gu, who was born and raised in California, competed for China at the Winter Olympics.

The controversy stems from Gu’s response to a question last week about whether her one gold and two silver medals felt like two golds lost.

The freeskier laughed before delivering a pointed reply: “I am the most decorated female freeskier in history, I think that is an answer in and of itself.”

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She continued: “Winning a medal at the Olympics is a life-changing experience for every athlete, doing it five times is exponentially harder.

“The two medals lost situation, to be quite frank, I think is a ridiculous perspective to take.”

The athlete also emphasised she was performing unprecedented feats in her sport, adding: “I am showcasing my best skiing, I am quite literally doing things that have never been done before.”

Find these takes baffling. Why is confidence and pride always reframed as arrogance? You don’t get to the top level without self belief. Why is it necessary to be coy about your achievements? Or is it just a female thing…

Clearly not seen any of her other interviews before if… https://t.co/TI9Jq0dolE

— Laura Woods (@laura_woodsy) February 25, 2026

Her response drew particular ire from American supporters who viewed her decision to represent China rather than her birth country as a betrayal.

Basham posted on Tuesday: “I’m sorry, but even beyond betraying her country, this woman is awful. Off the chart levels of arrogance.”

The American journalist added: “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 assessment, writing: “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.”

The British presenter also defended Gu’s interview manner, describing her as “super intelligent and also, gloriously UN-media trained.”

Gu’s performance at the recent Winter Olympics saw her claim silver medals in both the women’s big air and slopestyle events, before securing gold in the halfpipe.

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At just 22 years old, she has now accumulated six Olympic medals across two Games appearances, cementing her status as the most decorated freeskier in Olympic history.

Her success on the slopes has translated into significant commercial appeal off them.

Gu’s endorsement deals and widespread fame have positioned her as the fourth highest-paid female athlete for 2025.

The California-born skier’s decision to compete under the Chinese flag has remained a source of controversy among American fans throughout her career.