Olympic Spotlight on Alysa Liu and Eileen Gu Ignites US–China Political Debate

The contrasting paths of the two U.S.-born athletes of Chinese descent have taken on symbolic weight amid heightened U.S.–China tensions.
Olympic Spotlight on Alysa Liu and Eileen Gu Ignites US–China Political Debate
Gold medalist Alysa Liu of Team United States celebrates after the medal ceremony for the team event on day two of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games at Milano Ice Skating Arena in Milan on Feb. 8, 2026. Elsa/Getty Images
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At the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics this month, two U.S.-born athletes of Chinese descent—Alysa Liu representing the United States and Eileen Gu competing for China—have become the focus of an online political storm that extends far beyond sports.

A resurfaced video circulating on X shows the two celebrating their athletic achievements together at a community event when they were young in California.