Eileen Gu Responds to Criticism Regarding Her Olympic Representation

Five-time Olympic medalist Eileen Gu, the most decorated female freestyle skier in Olympic history, has addressed recent comments from U.S. Vice President JD Vance questioning her decision to compete for China rather than the United States. Gu, a 22-year-old phenomenon, secured two gold medals in halfpipe and big air, and a silver in slopestyle at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, adding two more silvers at the recent Italian games.

The Controversy and Vance’s Remarks

Vance voiced his opinion on Tuesday, discussing athletes born in the U.S. who choose to represent other nations in international competitions. He stated, according to Fox News, “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.” He further emphasized his support for American athletes who “identify themselves as Americans.”

Gu’s Response: A Measured Reaction

When asked about Vance’s remarks on Thursday, Gu responded with grace and a touch of humor, telling USA Today, “I’m flattered. Thanks, JD! That’s sweet.” She acknowledged that perceptions of China often influence opinions about her choice, stating, “people are entitled to their opinions.”

Gu further elaborated, “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.”

A Complex Family History: Eileen Gu’s Father and Heritage

Born in San Francisco, California, in 2003, Eileen Gu is the daughter of Yan Gu, a first-generation Chinese immigrant, and an American father. Her decision to represent China is rooted in a deep connection to her mother’s heritage and a desire to foster connections between the two cultures. While she has declined to publicly disclose her citizenship status – China does not permit dual citizenship – Gu has consistently expressed a strong sense of belonging to both countries. In a 2022 interview, she stated she feels “just as American as I am Chinese.”

Gu previously shared with Time magazine that she enjoys “building my own pond,” a metaphor for forging her own path and defining her identity outside of conventional expectations. This sentiment encapsulates her unique position as a bi-cultural athlete.

Looking Ahead: The Women’s Halfpipe Final

Eileen Gu will compete for her sixth Olympic medal on Saturday, having qualified for the final of the women’s halfpipe event. Her story continues to spark conversation about national identity, athletic representation, and the complexities of globalization in the world of sports. You can follow the Olympics and Gu’s performance at the official Olympics website.

Sam Joseph is a Staff Editor at The Athletic.