Eileen Gu brushes off JD Vance’s criticism of her China decision, replying: 'That’s sweet'

WASHINGTON, DC: US-born Olympic freestyle skier Eileen Gu recently responded to comments made by Vice President JD Vance, who questioned her decision to compete for China. Since 2019, Gu has represented China in competitions. During a press conference, she dismissed the criticism with a lighthearted remark.

This exchange is taking place amid broader discussions about national representation in international sports and follows Gu’s continued success at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy. Her response has sparked conversations both in the United States and internationally.

Gu dismisses criticism as debate over athlete allegiance continues

Eileen Gu, born in San Francisco to an American father and Chinese mother, has represented China in two Winter Games.

At the Milano-Cortina Games, she added two silver medals, bringing her career total to five Olympic medals, two gold and three silver, and becoming the most decorated female freestyle skier in Olympic history. 

Asked about criticism from JD Vance, Gu responded: “I’m flattered. Thanks, JD! That’s sweet.” 

She added, “So many athletes compete for a different country. … People only have a problem with me doing it because they kind of lump China into this monolithic entity, and they just hate China. So it’s not really about what they think it’s about.”

Gu also suggested that her competitive success plays a role in the attention she receives. “And also, because I win,” she said. “Like if I wasn’t doing well, I think that they probably wouldn’t care as much, and that’s OK for me. People are entitled to their opinions.”

Vance said, “I certainly think that somebody who grew up in the United States of America, who benefited from our education system, from the freedoms and liberties that make this country a great place, I would hope that they want to compete with the United States of America." 

Online reaction grows in US and China following Vance interview

Gu has not issued a formal statement directly addressing Vance’s comments beyond her remarks to US media. However, she has previously spoken about her dual identity.

In a 2022 interview during the Beijing Olympics, she said, “I definitely feel as though I'm just as American as I am Chinese. I'm American when I'm in the US and Chinese when I'm in China and I've been outspoken about my gratitude to both the US and China for making me the person that I am.”

In a recent interview with China’s Xinhua News Agency, Gu said, “Foreign press now all call me Chinese athlete Gu Ailing,” adding that “I am representing China and I am representing Chinese skiing sports.”

Vance’s remarks drew mixed reactions online. Some US-based social media users defended Gu’s right to choose which country she represents, while others echoed his view that American-born athletes should compete for the United States.

On the Chinese social media platform Weibo, many users voiced support for Gu’s decision, with some criticizing what they described as political interference in athletes’ personal choices.