U.S. Olympic figure skating champion Alysa Liu has spoken out regarding the controversy over American-born skier Eileen Gu's decision to compete for China at the Winter Olympics.
In an interview with The New York Times, Liu, who grew up in the Bay Area alongside Gu, defended her fellow athlete. "People are hypocritical for shaming her for representing China," Liu said, noting Gu's family ties to China and calling criticism over her choice unfair.
Gu, who won two silver medals and one gold in freeskiing for China, faced global scrutiny throughout the Games. U.S. Vice President JD Vance also weighed in, expressing hope that American-born athletes would compete for the United States.
Gu responded by saying she felt like a "punching bag for a certain strand of American politics," attributing much of the backlash to negative views of China and her own success.
Both athletes, daughters of Chinese immigrants, have drawn comparisons on social media.
Liu, whose father fled China after the Tiananmen Square protests, made history as the first American to win Olympic gold in women's individual figure skating since 2002. Despite the heated debate, Liu emphasized that "sport is sport" and athletes should compete where they find opportunity.
