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Eileen Gu Responds to Vance Over China Representation
20 Feb
Summary
- Eileen Gu, born in the U.S., competes internationally for China.
- Senator JD Vance suggested U.S.-born athletes should represent America.
- Gu stated her choice is due to winning and perceptions of China.
Freestyle skier Eileen Gu, born in the U.S. but representing China internationally, has responded to remarks made by U.S. Senator JD Vance. Vance suggested that American-born athletes, having benefited from the U.S., should compete for the United States. Gu, who holds five Olympic medals, stated she was flattered by Vance's comments.
Gu, the most decorated female freestyle skier in Olympic history, acknowledged that perceptions of China affect how people view her decision. She indicated that some criticism stems from a negative view of China as a monolithic entity and that her athletic success also plays a role in the attention she receives. Gu was born in 2003 and has previously expressed feeling equally American and Chinese.
She has an opportunity to win her sixth Olympic medal on Saturday in the women's halfpipe event. Gu has consistently declined to state her citizenship status, despite China's policy against dual nationality. Her mother is a Chinese immigrant, and her father is American.
