Eileen Gu Responds to VP Vance's Olympics Comments

The Olympic champion says she's "flattered" but unbothered by suggestions she should represent the U.S.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Five-time Olympic medalist Eileen Gu offered a measured but firm reply to comments from U.S. Vice President JD Vance suggesting she ought to be representing the United States instead of China on the international sports stage. Gu, who was born in San Francisco, said she's "flattered" by Vance's remarks but put the decision to compete for China into perspective, noting that many athletes compete for different countries and that she believes she's faced more criticism because of China's geopolitical status.

Why it matters

Gu's decision to compete for China has drawn intense attention because she was born and raised in the United States. The debate over her nationality and identity is unlikely to fade, as critics have seized on the question of her citizenship status given that China does not officially permit dual citizenship.

The details

Vance, speaking on Fox News, said he hoped athletes raised and educated in the United States would choose to compete for the U.S. When asked about Vance's remarks, Gu kept her response lighthearted but pointed, saying she's "flattered" but that many athletes compete for different countries and that she believes she's faced more criticism because of China's geopolitical status and her success. Gu, 22, is the most decorated female freestyle skier in Olympic history, having won two gold medals and a silver at the 2022 Beijing Winter Games.

  • Gu was born in San Francisco in 2000.
  • In 2019, at age 15, Gu announced she would compete for China.
  • Gu won two gold medals and a silver at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics.
  • Gu is preparing for the women's halfpipe final at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina.

The players

Eileen Gu

A five-time Olympic medalist who was born in San Francisco and chose to compete for China, becoming the most decorated female freestyle skier in Olympic history.

JD Vance

The U.S. Vice President who suggested Gu should represent the United States instead of China.

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What they’re saying

“I'm flattered. Thanks, JD! That's sweet.”

— Eileen Gu (USA Today)

“So many athletes compete for a different country ... people only have a problem with me doing it because they kind of lump China into this monolithic entity, and they just hate China. And also, because I win. ... If I wasn't doing well, I think that they probably wouldn't care as much, and that's OK for me.”

— Eileen Gu (USA Today)

What’s next

Gu is preparing for the women's halfpipe final at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, where she is expected to add to her medal tally.

The takeaway

Gu's decision to compete for China has drawn intense scrutiny, but she has consistently stressed that her focus is on skiing and inspiring young athletes across cultures, rather than on the geopolitical debate surrounding her nationality.