Olympians Liu and Gu take different paths, dividing opinions

The choices of the Chinese American athletes to compete for the US or China spark debates over loyalty, money, and politics.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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Eileen Gu, a 22-year-old freestyle skier, and Alysa Liu, a 20-year-old figure skater, were both born to Chinese immigrants in California and are elite athletes who won gold medals at the 2026 Winter Olympics. However, their decisions on which country to represent - Gu for China, Liu for the US - have generated heated debates over loyalty, with the issues intertwined with money, values, and China-US relations.

Why it matters

The contrasting choices of Gu and Liu highlight the complex identity and political dynamics faced by Chinese Americans. Gu's decision to compete for China has raised eyebrows in the US, while Liu's choice to represent the US has been praised. These decisions reflect deeper tensions around citizenship, national allegiance, and the influence of money and geopolitics in sports.

The details

Gu, born in San Francisco to a Chinese mother, has competed for China in the last two Winter Olympics, landing lucrative endorsement deals. She says her decision is more about growing her sport in China than just money. In contrast, Liu's father fled China after the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests, and he only allowed his daughter to compete in Beijing in 2022 with assurances about her safety. This time, Liu became the first American woman to win Olympic figure skating gold in 24 years, garnering praise in China as a 'free spirit' despite some loyalty to Gu.

  • Gu competed for China in the 2022 and 2026 Winter Olympics.
  • Liu competed in the 2022 Beijing Olympics, placing 6th, and won gold in 2026.
  • The 1989 Tiananmen Square protests that led to Liu's father fleeing China occurred 37 years ago.

The players

Eileen Gu

A 22-year-old freestyle skier who was born in San Francisco to a Chinese mother and has competed for China in the last two Winter Olympics, winning multiple gold medals and becoming a national idol in China.

Alysa Liu

A 20-year-old figure skater who was born in California to a Chinese father who fled China after the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests. Liu competed for the US in the 2022 and 2026 Olympics, winning gold in 2026.

Arthur Liu

Alysa Liu's father, who fled China after being wanted by authorities for his involvement in the 1989 Tiananmen Square student movement.

JD Vance

The US Vice President who criticized Eileen Gu for competing for China after benefiting from the US education system and freedoms.

Andy Ogles

A Republican Congressman who proposed a bill to tax 100% on athletes like Gu who compete for adversaries of the US in the Olympics.

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What they’re saying

“Any American who works with a foreign adversary has not only betrayed our country but must be stripped of all benefits from doing so.”

— Andy Ogles, Republican Congressman (wbal.com)

“Today's China is stronger, and it can provide Gu with interests that cannot be realized if she represented Team U.S.A. She has the sharp judgment to pick Team China, and this is the magnetic effect resulted from China's growth.”

— Hu Xijin, Former party newspaper editor in China (wbal.com)

“Chinese people still have no freedom of speech, no freedom of religion, and there are still political prisoners in China. Clearly, I wouldn't allow my daughter to compete for such a government.”

— Arthur Liu, Alysa Liu's father (wbal.com)

“Oh, my God, I think this discourse is really silly because we're both half Chinese.”

— Alysa Liu (Newsweek)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

The contrasting choices of Eileen Gu and Alysa Liu to compete for China and the US respectively highlight the complex identity and political dynamics faced by Chinese Americans. Their stories reflect deeper tensions around citizenship, national allegiance, and the influence of money and geopolitics in sports.