Olympic aftermath: Eileen Gu hits back at JD Vance

Gu dismisses criticism

In remarks reported by Fortune, Gu said the backlash reflects broader political attitudes rather than sporting concerns.

"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," she said, according to Fortune’s coverage of her comments.

Support from fellow US athlete

Gu also received public backing from US figure skater Alyssa Liu, who shares Chinese heritage but competes for the United States.

"Eileen is doing amazing. I’ve actually known her since I was a kid," Liu said. "I’m rooting for her always."

Liu’s comments underscored how differently athletes with similar backgrounds can be perceived depending on which flag they compete under.

Liu’s remarks highlight a contrast: two U.S.-born athletes with Chinese heritage made different competitive choices, yet only one became the focus of political scrutiny. That contrast can suggest that athletes themselves may not frame their decisions primarily in political terms, even if politicians or commentators later do.