What Skier Eileen Gu Revealed About VP JD Vance's China Views

Olympic skier Eileen Gu responded to Vice President JD Vance's criticism for choosing to represent China at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy. Gu, 22, expressed feeling targeted by a certain segment of American politics, attributing the backlash to anti-China sentiments rather than her athletic performance.

Gu, a five-time Olympic medalist in freestyle skiing, defended her decision to represent China, where her mother is from, over the United States. She emphasized her pride in her heritage and the opportunity to inspire young people in China during the 2022 Beijing Olympics.

In an interview with The Athletic, Gu explained her choice to represent China, citing the potential for a greater impact in a country with fewer skiing idols compared to the USA. Vice President JD Vance criticized Gu for not competing for the United States, expressing his support solely for American athletes.

Vance advised Team USA athletes at the 2026 Winter Olympics to unite the country with their representation, emphasizing that they embody both Democrats and Republicans. President Donald Trump also voiced criticism towards Team USA athletes, including skier Hunter Hess, for their views on representing the country during political turmoil.