US EditionOlympians Liu and Gu Travel Very Different Paths, and China-US Relations Hang over Their Stories
Gu represents China for growth and endorsements while Liu competes for the U.S. due to family history and political concerns, sparking debates on loyalty and identity.
- Eileen Gu, 22-year-old freestyle skier, and Alysa Liu, 20-year-old figure skater, won gold last month at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, sparking heated debates over loyalty and politics.
- Eileen Gu opted to represent China, citing greater sporting opportunities linked to China’s growth; both Gu and Alysa Liu were born to Chinese immigrants in California and raised in single-parent households.
- Alysa Liu's family history includes her father Arthur Liu fleeing China after the 1989 student movement, while Chinese social media briefly referenced the 6-4 crackdown and artist Badiucao highlighted contrasts with Gu.
- U.S. Congress proposed a 100% tax on athletes like Gu who compete for countries like China and Russia, with Vice President JD Vance and other politicians criticizing her decision.
- Beyond medals, commercial and safety concerns arise as Gu secures millions from major Chinese brands and multinationals, while Liu's family sought U.S. State Department and FBI assurances for her Beijing safety.
44 Articles
44 Articles
Eileen Gu and Alysa Liu: 2 Olympians, 2 Californians, 2 countries
It is as captivating as it is divisive: the tale of two Chinese American athletic geniuses who have so much in common but make such different choices. 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 both were brought up in single-parent households. Both are elite athletes who turned in gold-medal performances at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics la…
Bay Area Olympians Alysa Liu and Eileen Gu travel very different paths, and China-US relations hang over their stories
It is as captivating as it is divisive: the tale of two Chinese American athletic geniuses who have so much in common but make such different choices.
Associated Press News
Olympians Liu and Gu travel very different paths, and China-US relations hang over their stories
Eileen Gu and Alysa Liu have turned the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics into a debate about identity and loyalty for Chinese Americans.
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