Eileen Gu vs. Alysa Liu: The Olympic Face-Off of Two Cultures

Sun Feb 15 2026 00:16:52 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The Winter Olympics in Milan have highlighted the contrasting journeys of two Chinese-American athletes, Eileen Gu and Alysa Liu, as they navigate their identities while representing rival superpowers.

Eileen Gu and Alysa Liu, both star athletes of Chinese-American descent, are creating a cultural stir during the Winter Olympics as they represent competing countries. Gu, who competes for China, faces backlash for her decision, while Liu, representing the U.S., is celebrated by some as a patriot. This article explores their complex backgrounds and the political implications of their athletic choices in the context of U.S.-China relations.

An unusual battle is unfolding over the Winter Olympics in Milan - not on the slopes or in the rinks, but on the internet.

At its heart are Eileen Gu, a freestyle skier, and Alysa Liu, a figure-skater. Both young women of American-Chinese heritage born and raised in the U.S. are champions in their respective fields.

However, the narratives surrounding them couldn’t be more different. While Liu is hailed as a patriotic figure competing for the U.S., Gu faces criticism for representing China, with accusations of being a traitor in her home country.

Liu, whose father was involved in the Tiananmen Square protests, competes under the Stars and Stripes, while Gu, often celebrated in China as the 'Snow Princess', chose to represent her mother’s homeland after spending formative years in Beijing. This stark contrast has ignited debates on social media about loyalty and identity, particularly amid the growing tensions between the two nations.

Gu’s decision to join Team China has brought her significant acclaim, including multiple medals at the 2022 Olympics, and she is now viewed as a sports icon in China with lucrative endorsement deals. Conversely, Liu, who was raised in California and is also a national champion, has received minimal attention in Chinese press due to her family's history, which some view as anti-China.

This narrative clash extends beyond sport; it reflects deeper societal divides regarding immigrant identities and the pressures of national loyalty, particularly significant in the current geopolitical climate.

As both athletes continue their Olympic journeys, discussions surrounding their decisions highlight broader themes of nationalism, cultural identity, and the immigrant experience in America.