Olympian Eileen Gu responds to JD Vance's comments about her representing China

The five-time Olympic medalist was born in San Francisco but has competed for China since 2019.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Five-time Olympic medalist Eileen Gu has responded to comments made by U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who appeared to suggest that Gu should be competing for the United States rather than China. Gu, who was born in San Francisco, has represented China internationally since 2019 and is the most decorated female freestyle skier in Olympic history.

Why it matters

Gu's decision to represent China has been a topic of debate, with some arguing that she should compete for the U.S. given her American upbringing. This case highlights the complex issues surrounding national identity and athlete representation in international competitions.

The details

Vance stated that he believes athletes who "grew up in the United States of America" and "benefited from our education system" should compete for the U.S. Gu responded by saying she is "flattered" by Vance's comments, but noted that perceptions of China affect how people view her decision. Gu also said that she feels "just as American as I am Chinese" and that she likes "building my own pond" when it comes to her national representation.

  • Gu was born in 2003 in San Francisco, California.
  • Gu has represented China internationally since 2019.
  • Vance made his comments on Tuesday, February 18, 2026.
  • Gu responded to Vance's comments on Thursday, February 20, 2026.
  • Gu will compete in the women's halfpipe final on Saturday, February 22, 2026.

The players

Eileen Gu

A five-time Olympic medalist in freestyle skiing, born in San Francisco but representing China internationally since 2019.

JD Vance

The Vice President of the United States, who commented on Gu's decision to represent China rather than the U.S.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

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

— Eileen Gu (USA Today)

“I certainly think that somebody who grew up in the United States of America, who benefited from our education system, from the freedoms and liberties that make this country a great place, I would hope that they want to compete with the United States of America.”

— JD Vance, Vice President (Fox News)

“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. And also, because I win. Like 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 will compete in the women's halfpipe final on Saturday, February 22, 2026, where she will have the opportunity to claim her sixth Olympic medal.

The takeaway

Gu's decision to represent China has sparked debate, with some arguing she should compete for the U.S. given her American upbringing. This case highlights the complex issues surrounding national identity and athlete representation in international competitions, and how perceptions of China can influence the public's view of Gu's choice.