Eileen Gu Celebrates Alysa Liu's Historic Gold Medal

The two Chinese American athletes continue their different Olympic journeys.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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American-born Team China skier Eileen Gu commented on Team USA figure skater Alysa Liu's historic gold medal in the women's free skate final at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics. While Gu and Liu both have Chinese heritage, their Olympic journeys have diverged, with Gu competing for China and Liu representing the U.S.

Why it matters

The contrasting stories of Gu and Liu, both Chinese American athletes, have sparked discussions about national identity, loyalty, and the recruitment of foreign-born athletes by countries like China. Their performances at the Olympics have highlighted these complex issues.

The details

Gu, who was born in California, chose to compete for China in 2019, while Liu, raised in Oakland by her Chinese immigrant father, has remained loyal to Team USA. Gu has won two silver medals so far in Italy, while Liu made history by becoming the first American woman to win an individual Olympic figure skating gold medal in 24 years.

  • On Thursday, Alysa Liu won the gold medal in the women's free skate final at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics.
  • In 2019, Eileen Gu requested a change of nation with the International Ski Federation to compete for China, just months after her first Freestyle Ski World Cup for the U.S.

The players

Eileen Gu

An American-born skier who chose to compete for Team China in 2019, becoming one of the most decorated female freeskiers in history.

Alysa Liu

A figure skater representing Team USA, who became the first American woman to win an individual Olympic figure skating gold medal in 24 years.

Arthur Liu

Alysa Liu's father, who raised her and her siblings in Oakland and was reportedly "not open to persuasion" to have Alysa compete for China.

Yan Gu

Eileen Gu's mother, who raised her in San Francisco.

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What they’re saying

“YESSSSSS”

— Eileen Gu (Instagram)

“These are for y'all”

— Alysa Liu (Instagram)

“I'm the most decorated female freeskier in history. I think that's an answer in and of itself.”

— Eileen Gu (USA Today)

“I do. 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. So, it's not really about what they think it's about.”

— Eileen Gu (USA Today)

What’s next

Eileen Gu will have one last chance to win gold in the women's halfpipe final on Sunday, which was postponed a day due to intense snow in the area.

The takeaway

The contrasting stories of Eileen Gu and Alysa Liu, both Chinese American athletes, have sparked discussions about national identity, loyalty, and the recruitment of foreign-born athletes by countries like China. Their performances at the Olympics have highlighted these complex issues, showcasing the different paths these two talented athletes have taken.