Nationality Boundaries Blur as Olympians Represent New Countries

Sixteen American athletes have won medals for other countries, while 13 foreign-born athletes have won for Team USA

Jan. 30, 2026 at 4:55pm

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The 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics will feature a record number of athletes competing for countries other than the ones they were born in. This trend has been steadily increasing, with 41 American athletes competing for other teams at the 2022 Beijing Games. Factors like strict U.S. citizenship laws, better training facilities in other countries, and athletes' personal reasons have contributed to this shift. The International Olympic Committee's rules allow for dual citizens to compete for either country, but once they pick a team, they generally cannot switch.

Why it matters

The growing number of athletes competing for countries other than their birth nations raises questions about national identity, the role of citizenship in sports, and the IOC's policies around athlete eligibility. It also highlights the global nature of elite sports and the increasing mobility of top-level athletes.

The details

American-born freestyle skier Eileen Gu, who won two gold medals and a silver for China in 2022, was one of 10 American athletes on Team China that year. China started recruiting foreign-born athletes as part of a 'soft power' play to strengthen international relations. In contrast, 13 foreign-born athletes have won medals for Team USA, including bobsledder Kaillie Humphries, who previously won for Canada. Reasons for switching teams include better training facilities, experiencing discrimination, and obtaining citizenship.

  • The 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics was the first year China started recruiting foreign-born athletes.
  • Eileen Gu received Chinese citizenship in 2019, making her China's first naturalized skiing athlete.
  • Kaillie Humphries switched from Team Canada to Team USA in 2019 and won gold at the 2022 Beijing Games.
  • Alisa Efimova and Misha Mitrofanov were ineligible to represent Team USA at the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics because Efimova did not receive a waiver for the three-year citizenship waiting period in time.

The players

Eileen Gu

An American-born freestyle skier who represented China at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, winning two gold medals and one silver medal.

Kaillie Humphries

A Canadian-born bobsledder who won two gold medals and one bronze medal for Canada, and then switched to represent Team USA, winning gold at the 2022 Beijing Olympics.

Alisa Efimova

A Finnish figure skater who holds a U.S. green card but did not receive a waiver for the three-year citizenship waiting period, making her ineligible to represent Team USA at the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics.

Misha Mitrofanov

Efimova's ice dance partner, who was also ineligible to represent Team USA at the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics due to Efimova's citizenship issues.

Ellie Kam

A U.S. figure skater who became the next best bet for a podium finish for Team USA after Efimova and Mitrofanov were ruled ineligible.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

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

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.