Father of Olympic Skater Alisa Liu Rejects China’s Proposal

Arthur Liu Junguo, father of Olympic figure skater Alisa Liu, explained why he declined China’s attempts to have his daughter skate for the nation. He stated, “Given China’s serious human rights violations, I will not allow my daughter to compete under its flag.”

During an online interview with Nikkei Asia, a Japanese publication, he reminisced about leaving China in 1989 after engaging in the democracy movement following the Tiananmen Incident. Alisa Liu was approached as part of China’s “naturalization project,” which aims to recruit overseas Chinese athletes. Reports indicate that both Arthur and Alisa faced scrutiny from Chinese spies before the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics.

Arthur Liu revealed that there had been contact regarding Alisa representing China, but he made it clear that he wouldn’t permit it. While he mentioned that he never discussed financial matters with the Chinese government, he acknowledged the attraction of their fiscal policies.

In a broader context, the conversation around Olympic representation often contrasts athletes like Alisa with others, including American-born skier Irene Gu, who now competes for China. Arthur Liu admitted he is frequently asked to compare Alisa with athletes who have opted to represent China. He simply stated, “Their choice is theirs, my choice is mine,” choosing not to elaborate further.

He expressed concern over the lack of freedom of speech and religion in China, stating, “There are still political prisoners in China. Clearly, I would not allow my daughter to compete for such a government.” This commitment to his principles demonstrates a striking contrast in values between Alisa and athletes who have chosen different paths.