LIVIGNO, Italy — Eileen Gu, the American-born freestyle skier competing for China, is poised to contend for another medal in Monday’s women’s freeski big air final, but the focus surrounding her performance continues to extend far beyond the slopes. Gu routinely deflects questions regarding her citizenship and the political implications of representing China, a pattern that has fueled ongoing debate and criticism.
The 22-year-old Stanford University student, majoring in international relations, has navigated a complex path. While she competed for Team USA early in her career, including the 2018-19 freestyle ski World Cup season, she officially requested a change of nation to China in June 2019, according to the International Ski Federation.
Gu’s connection to both countries stems from her family background. Her father is American, while her mother is a first-generation immigrant to the United States, originally from China. Gu herself has described feeling both American and Chinese, stating in a 2021 interview with ESPN, “When I’m in the U.S., I’m American, but when I’m in China, I’m Chinese.” She emphasized the importance of maintaining connections to both cultures through friendships and communication.
The decision to compete for China has drawn scrutiny, particularly given China’s policies regarding dual citizenship. China does not officially allow dual citizenship, yet Gu has seemingly been able to maintain ties to both countries. This arrangement has raised questions about potential agreements or exceptions made in her case.
Financial aspects of Gu’s endorsement deals have also come under the spotlight. Reports indicate she and another American-born athlete earned approximately $6.6 million from the Beijing Municipal Sports Bureau in 2023, a figure initially disclosed in a fiscal report before being removed from public access. The nature of these financial arrangements and any potential obligations tied to them remain unclear.
Gu has consistently avoided directly addressing questions about the Chinese Communist Party’s human rights record, choosing instead to focus on her role as an athlete and her desire to inspire young people in China. When asked about politically sensitive topics, she often responds with carefully crafted statements that avoid taking a firm stance. In an interview with Time magazine prior to the Milan Cortina Games, she responded to a hypothetical question about U.S.-China trade tariffs by saying, “I would just say, ‘I didn’t know I got promoted to trade minister.’”
The debate surrounding Gu’s choice extends beyond her individual circumstances. Some view her decision as a pragmatic one, made at age 15, to maximize her athletic opportunities and impact. Others see it as a betrayal of her American roots and a tacit endorsement of a regime accused of widespread human rights abuses. The context of her decision, made before the heightened international attention on issues in Hong Kong and Xinjiang, is also a point of contention.
Despite the controversy, Gu continues to maintain a high profile, leveraging her athletic success and image to secure lucrative sponsorship deals. She appears determined to remain focused on her sport and avoid becoming entangled in the political debates surrounding her.
As of Monday, Gu has not publicly addressed any further questions regarding her citizenship or political affiliations, and it remains uncertain whether she will do so in the future. The International Ski Federation has not issued any statements regarding the specifics of Gu’s nationality status.
