Feb 9, 2026; Livigno, Italy; Ailing Eileen Gu of the People's Republic of China after the women's freestyle skiing slopestyle final during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Livigno Snow Park. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
(Milan, Italy) – American-born Olympic skier Eileen Gu, who was born and raised in the United States but chose to compete for China, is now defending U.S. athletes who say they struggle emotionally representing Team USA.
Gu spoke out after skier Hunter Hess said he had “mixed emotions” competing under the American flag. Gu said she sympathizes with athletes who feel pressure tied to national identity, claiming she has personally been “caught in the crossfire” before.
“As someone who has got caught in the crossfire before, I feel sorry for the athletes,” Gu said. “I hope that they can ski to their very best.”
The remarks are drawing renewed scrutiny because Gu herself was born and raised in San Francisco, trained within the U.S. ski development system, and benefited from American sports infrastructure before later deciding to represent China on the world stage. She also attended Stanford University, further underscoring her deep American upbringing.
At the Winter Games, Gu was also seen showcasing a competition suit inspired by Chinese ceramics, visually reinforcing her alignment with the country she now represents internationally.
Critics argue the situation highlights a double standard: Gu took advantage of the opportunities, coaching, and resources available in the United States, then chose to compete for China—yet is now defending Americans who express difficulty or hesitation representing the U.S. itself.
Supporters counter that Gu’s comments reflect the complicated realities of modern global sports, where athletes with dual ties must navigate identity, politics, and public backlash alongside elite competition.
Still, for many observers, the moment reignites a familiar debate—about loyalty, opportunity, and what it means when an American-born athlete chooses another country, then weighs in on how hard it is to represent the United States.
