Olympians Liu and Gu take different paths, as China-US relations loom

The choices of Chinese American athletes Eileen Gu and Alysa Liu to compete for China or the US spark debate 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 choices of which country to compete for - Gu for China, Liu for the US - have generated heated debates over loyalty, with the issue interwoven with money, values and politics between China and the US.

Why it matters

The contrasting choices of Gu and Liu highlight the complex dynamics of identity, nationalism, and geopolitics that Chinese American athletes navigate. Their stories reflect the broader tensions in China-US relations, as well as debates around citizenship, freedom of expression, and the role of sports in national pride.

The details

Gu, born in San Francisco to a Chinese mother, chose to compete for China, where she has landed lucrative endorsement deals and become a national idol. Liu, whose father fled China after the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests, competes for the US, which has provided assurances about her safety. Their decisions have sparked backlash, with some US politicians criticizing Gu and praising Liu, while in China, Gu's loyalty has been questioned despite her success.

  • Gu competed for China in the 2022 and 2026 Winter Olympics.
  • Liu competed for the US in the 2022 Winter 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 born in San Francisco to a Chinese mother, who chose to compete for China and has become a national idol there.

Alysa Liu

A 20-year-old figure skater born in California to a Chinese father who fled China after the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests, and competes for the US.

JD Vance

The US Vice President who criticized Gu for competing for China after "benefiting from our education system, from the freedoms and liberties that make this country a great place."

Andy Ogles

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

Arthur Liu

The father of Alysa Liu, who fled China after the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests and said he would not allow his daughter to compete for the Chinese government.

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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 (ksgf.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 (ksgf.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, Father of Alysa Liu (ksgf.com)

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

— Alysa Liu (Newsweek)

What’s next

The debate over Gu and Liu's choices is likely to continue, with potential policy implications and ongoing scrutiny of their decisions and the broader geopolitical context.

The takeaway

The contrasting stories of Eileen Gu and Alysa Liu highlight the complex interplay of identity, nationalism, and geopolitics that Chinese American athletes navigate, reflecting the broader tensions in China-US relations and the role of sports in national pride.