Eileen Gu to Represent China in Upcoming Winter Olympics

Two-time Olympic gold medalist Eileen Gu, a freestyle skiing sensation, has confirmed that she will represent China rather than the United States in the upcoming Winter Olympics. Despite facing criticism over her decision in the past, Gu argues that the U.S. “already has representation rights.”

Gu, who was born in California, received backlash when she chose to compete for China during the 2022 Beijing Olympics. Nevertheless, she achieved remarkable success by securing gold medals in women’s freeski big air and halfpipe, along with a silver medal in slopestyle.

In a recent interview, Gu expressed that her choice aims to inspire more participation in a sport that hasn’t typically garnered much interest in China. “The United States already has representation rights,” she stated. “I like making my own pond.”

She further mentioned that the financial potential for companies supporting Chinese athletes is significant, saying, “I’m glad there’s enough funding in the sport now that people think it should be considered.”

Growing up in San Francisco with a Chinese mother, Gu estimates that she has spent at least a quarter of her life in China prior to the 2022 Winter Olympics.

Questions concerning her citizenship have surfaced, as the Chinese government doesn’t acknowledge dual citizenship. Gu has previously sidestepped inquiries about her U.S. citizenship. When pressed, she indicated, “I don’t really see how that’s relevant.”

The 22-year-old Gu heads to Italy as a leading contender to defend her title, having recently won the Laax Open in Switzerland. This victory marks a milestone, tallying her career World Cup wins to an impressive 20, with four of those in slopestyle.