American Olympians are supposed to speak their minds
The Hill
by Jos Joseph, opinion contributorFebruary 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Eileen Gu and Alysa Liu, two prominent athletes of Chinese descent competing on opposite sides in international sports, have become central figures in the ongoing US-China rivalry. Both daughters of Chinese immigrants, they represent divergent narratives in their respective nations' sports politics. Eileen Gu, a celebrated snowboarder who switched her allegiance from the United States to China, has faced intense criticism for accepting funding from the Chinese government while competing under its flag. Meanwhile, Alysa Liu, an American figure skater, has been widely praised for choosing to represent the US, highlighting the contrasting expectations placed on athletes of Chinese descent in both countries.
The situation surrounding Gu and Liu reflects deeper tensions between the two superpowers, with sports increasingly becoming a battleground for geopolitical competition. Gu's decision to compete for China has sparked debates about loyalty and identity, particularly among American observers who view her as a "pawn" in Beijing's propaganda machine. Critics argue that her actions undermine the ideals of amateurism and fair play in athletics, raising questions about whether athletes should be allowed to compete under multiple national flags or if such decisions risk political manipulation.
On the other hand, Liu's unwavering commitment to representing the US has been celebrated as a symbol of pride and unity. Her choice to forgo competing for China, despite her heritage, aligns with narratives that emphasize American values of freedom and individualism over state-controlled sports systems like China's
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Originally published on The Hill on 2/23/2026