Eileen Gu, the internationally renowned freestyle ski star, offered a lighthearted retort to criticism from U.S. Vice President JD Vance regarding her decision to compete for China at the Winter Olympics. On Thursday, Gu responded to Vance's recent comments, which expressed disappointment that an American-born athlete would not represent the United States.
Vance's Remarks and Gu's Reaction
JD Vance, in a statement that sparked controversy, said, "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." When asked about this by USA Today, Gu replied with a playful tone, "I'm flattered. Thanks, JD! That's sweet."
Broader Controversy and Support
Gu, who has won two silver medals at the Milan Cortina Games after securing two golds and a silver at the Beijing 2022 Olympics, has faced significant scrutiny from conservative critics. For instance, former NBA star Enes Kanter Freedom labeled her a "traitor" on Fox News, accusing her of siding with an "authoritarian regime," while host Laura Ingraham portrayed her as ungrateful and aligned with communists.
However, Gu's supporters argue that she has been targeted with racism and Sinophobia, noting that other U.S.-born athletes compete under different flags without similar backlash. In her interview, Gu pointed out, "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."
Performance and Perspective
Gu also suggested that her success amplifies the criticism, stating, "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." On Thursday, she advanced through the halfpipe qualifying rounds and is set to compete in the final on Saturday, continuing her pursuit of further Olympic medals.
This incident highlights ongoing debates in sports about nationality, identity, and the pressures faced by athletes in the global spotlight, with Gu's case drawing particular attention due to her high-profile achievements and the political undertones of the criticism.
