Eileen Gu Fires Back at JD Vance Over Olympic Representation Controversy
Olympic freeski champion Eileen Gu has delivered a pointed response to criticism from US Vice President JD Vance regarding her decision to represent China instead of the United States in international competition. The 22-year-old athlete, who is the most decorated freeskier in Olympic history with five medals, addressed Vance's comments after a qualifying run on Thursday.
The Political Backlash
During an interview with Fox News on Tuesday, Vance suggested that American-born athletes should represent the United States in international competitions. "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," Vance stated. "So, I'm going to root for American athletes, and I think part of that is people who identify themselves as Americans."
When specifically asked about Gu's situation, Vance claimed he had "no idea what her status should be" and that it was "up to the Olympic committee." The vice president led the US delegation at these Olympics, attending several games and the opening ceremony on February 6th in Milan, where he was booed in the San Siro stadium.
Gu's Diplomatic Response
Gu, who was born in San Francisco to an American father and Chinese mother, responded with surprising grace when asked about Vance's comments. According to USA Today, she said: "I'm flattered. Thanks, JD! That's sweet." The athlete revealed she wasn't offended by the criticism and acknowledged she had become a "punching bag" for US political debates.
The freeski star offered a nuanced perspective on why her situation attracts particular attention: "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."
Gu added with characteristic confidence: "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. People are entitled to their opinions."
A History of Controversy and Success
Gu's decision to switch from representing the United States to China in 2019 has made her a lightning rod for political discussion. With two gold medals and a silver from the 2022 Beijing Games, plus two silvers already secured at the Milano Cortina Games, her competitive success has only amplified the attention.
The Olympic charter clearly states that "a national of two or more countries at the same time may represent either one of them." Gu has consistently declined to publicly share her citizenship status, while China maintains a policy that does not permit dual citizenship.
This situation is not unique to Gu. More than fifteen American-born athletes have won medals for other countries at these Games, while at least thirteen foreign-born athletes have medaled while competing for Team USA.
Gu's Consistent Message
In comments to Australia's ABC Sport on Thursday, Gu emphasized her longstanding motivation: "I have said, I do what I do because I want to inspire the next generation of young women. I've said this since I was 10. No one was paying me when I was 10. No country wanted me to ski for them when I was 10. I've had the same principle since I was literally prepubescent."
She expressed frustration with those who question her authenticity: "And so if people don't believe me, at a certain point, that's just on them. I can't convince you. I have all the evidence. If you just close your eyes, what am I going to do about that?"
Gu concluded with a call for Olympic spirit: "I'm not bothered by it. I just wish that people would adopt the Olympic spirit more. That's what this contest is about. It's about bringing people together. It's about using sport as a spirit of communication. And if they want to focus on the wrong things, they just have a sad little life."
Broader Context and Future Competition
Earlier in the Games, Gu defended fellow freeskier Hunter Hess after he expressed ambivalence about representing the United States, comments that drew criticism from former President Donald Trump. "As someone who's been caught in the crossfire before, I feel sorry for the athletes," Gu said at the time.
In previous interviews, Gu has explained her decision by noting that "the US already has the representation" and that she prefers "building my own pond." In 2022, she stated she felt "just as American as I am Chinese."
Gu is set to compete in Saturday's Olympic freeski halfpipe final, where she is considered a favorite to medal after winning gold in the same event at Beijing 2022. Her performance will undoubtedly be watched through both athletic and political lenses as this complex international debate continues.
