US Edition
Olympians Liu and Gu Travel Very Different Paths, and China-US Relations Hang over Their Stories
Gold-winning skaters Gu and Liu chose different nations, sparking debate over loyalty and politics; Gu earned millions in endorsements tied to China’s rise, Liu’s choice reflects family exile history.
- During the 2026 Winter Olympics in February, Gu competed for China while Liu represented the United States, both winning gold medals.
- Rooted in family history, Liu's decision was sometimes linked to her father's role in the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests, and she called the rivalry 'really silly'.
- Chinese government and state sports authorities backed Gu with flattering publicity and millions in state funding, while major Chinese brands sponsored her and viral images by Badiucao contrasted Gu and Liu.
- In the U.S., lawmakers proposed a 100% tax on athletes competing for China, citing loyalty concerns, with Vice President JD Vance and others voicing criticism.
- Culturally, the debate highlights public opinion in China and the U.S. diverging, with some praising Gu and others valuing Liu's ties to pro-democracy activism, as Liu dismisses the rivalry as 'really silly'.
14 Articles
14 Articles
Bay Area Olympians Alysa Liu and Eileen Gu travel very different paths, and China-US relations hang over their stories
It is as captivating as it is divisive: the tale of two Chinese American athletic geniuses who have so much in common but make such different choices.
Associated Press News
Olympians Liu and Gu travel very different paths, and China-US relations hang over their stories
Eileen Gu and Alysa Liu have turned the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics into a debate about identity and loyalty for Chinese Americans.
Olympian Alysa Liu ripped into Eileen Gu’s haters, then claimed their outrage is 'hypocritical' for one bizarre reason
American Gold-winning Olympian Alysa Liu has reportedly broken her silence on her fellow Olympian Eileen Gu for representing China in the Winter Olympics. Alysa, who has been making headlines lately, was asked about her opinion on the Gu’s representation of China, and she seemed supportive and indirectly criticised those who tried to label Eileen a traitor. According to the Daily Mail, Liu responded to those who tried to paint Eileen as a traito…
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Bias Distribution
- 59% of the sources lean Left
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