Olympians Rally Behind Eileen Gu as Criticism Grows Over Her Decision to Compete for China Over USA
As the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics unfold, American-born freestyle skier Eileen Gu has become one of the most talked-about athletes of the Games, not just for her performances, but for the controversy surrounding her decision to compete for Team China instead of the United States.
Gu, born and raised in the United States, has been subjected to intense backlash from U.S. commentators, political figures and segments of the public who argue that an American-born athlete should represent her native country. High-profile national voices, including U.S. Vice President JD Vance, have stated that someone who “benefited from our education system and freedoms” should opt to compete for the United States.
Despite the criticism, Gu’s supporters are now speaking out and some of them are fellow Olympians.
Veteran Team USA skeleton racer Kelly Curtis, also a staff sergeant in the Air Force, offered her respect for the Chinese team member’s ability and accomplishments. Curtis said she hasn’t “given much thought” to Gu’s decision but emphasized that she holds admiration for her performance at the Games. Another voice, bobsled captain AJ Edelman of Team Israel, noted that no one has the right to judge an athlete for choosing to compete for another nation.
Gu’s situation highlights broader questions about identity, nationality and athlete representation in international sport. The 22-year-old has responded publicly to the backlash, saying she often feels like a “punching bag for a certain strand of American politics,” and dismissing claims that her success or choice should be subject to political scrutiny. She argued that many athletes compete for countries other than their birth nations without similar reactions, and that much of the criticism stems from broader anti-China sentiment.
The controversy has followed Gu beyond the slopes. She has shared deeply personal accounts of the toll the debate has taken on her, including death threats, physical assaults, and even having her dorm room robbed while attending university.
Political commentators have also weighed in beyond Vance. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent called Gu’s decision a “sell-out,” intensifying public discussion.
On the field of competition, however, Gu remains one of the most decorated athletes of these Olympics, having already added to her impressive medal count and standing as a prominent figure in her sport.
As debates continue online and in the media, Gu’s unique position, a world-class athlete navigating public opinion, national expectations and global politics shows no sign of quieting down.
Source: Fox News
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons 中国新闻社
