An open letter from Claire Lai, daughter of Chinese politician Jimmy Lai, to Irene Gu, the American-born star of the Chinese Winter Olympic team.
Dear Gu,
Congratulations on your impressive medal-winning feat at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics.
I wanted to reach out because of your genuine appreciation for the ideals that have shaped your life. You’ve frequently mentioned how your upbringing in the U.S. has given you a strong sense of purpose and the drive to utilize your platform for positive change.
During these games, you stated that you embody the best lessons you’ve learned in America.
You shared your pride in the values that I also hold dear, taught to me by my parents.
In the spirit of our mutual commitment to freedom of expression, compassion, and the inherent worth of every individual, I kindly ask for your support.
My father, Jimmy Lai, has dedicated his life to advocating for those very principles.
He didn’t just admire American values from a distance. He recognized them as vital for a thriving society.
For him, the principles of freedom in America and the bravery to stand up to authority have always been more than political ideas; they are moral responsibilities.
He risked everything—his business, his liberty, and now his life—because he passionately believes that the freedoms available in the West should be accessible to everyone.
His bravery has inspired many supporters of freedom and democracy globally.
On February 9, my father, now 78, received a 20-year prison sentence in Hong Kong for his defense of these freedoms through the newspaper he created and published.
Like you, he has strong ties to both the East and the West.
Having endured over five years in solitary confinement, his health has sadly deteriorated. He suffers from diabetes and heart disease, with a very limited time left.
As a respected member of the Chinese Olympic team, I believe you could truly make a difference for humanitarian efforts concerning my father.
I appeal to your desire to be a “force for good.”
Would you consider bringing my father’s situation to the attention of the Chinese authorities so that this elderly man, who has simply expressed his gratitude for freedom, can spend his remaining days in peace?
I appreciate your consideration of this request.
Sincerely,
Claire Lai
