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American-born Olympic skier Eileen Gu, who competes for China internationally, responded to JD Vance after the Vice President said she should represent the United States in the 2026 Winter Olympic Games. Gu, born and raised in San Francisco, is the most decorated female freestyle skier in Olympic history.
MORE: How much does Eileen Gu get paid to represent China over USA in Olympics?
She came from winning two gold medals and a silver medal in the 2022 Beijing Games. Gu added two more silvers in Italy during this year’s games. On Tuesday, Vance told Fox News he would like to see athletes born in the U.S. representing the country.
“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,” he said. “So, I’m going to root for American athletes, and I think part of that is people who identify themselves as Americans. That’s who I’m rooting for this Olympics.”
On Thursday, the freestyle skier clapped back at the politician.
“I’m flattered. Thanks, JD! That’s sweet,” she said, via USA Today.
MORE: Former NBA star bashes 2026 Winter Olympics ‘traitor’ Eileen Gu
Feb 14, 2026; Livigno, Italy; Ailing Eileen Gu of China reacts after her first jump in the women’s freestyle skiing big air qualification during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Livigno Snow Park. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
The athlete said that the way China is seen within America has affected how people see her decision to represent the Asian country.
“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,” Gu said. “So it’s not really about what they think it’s about.
“And also, because I win. Like if I wasn’t doing well, I think that they probably wouldn’t care as much, and that’s OK for me.”
She has been under a lot of criticism during the Milano Cortina Games. Gu said she felt like a “punching bag” amid the constant criticism. The final event of her 2026 Olympic journey will come on Saturday. She will have the opportunity to win a sixth Olympic medal after qualifying for the final of the women’s halfpipe event.
OLYMPICS: 2026 Winter Olympics medal count, standings entering February 20
NFL: Predicting the 2026 NFL free agent signings
MLB: Detroit Tigers drop unreal alternate jerseys for 2026 MLB season
NBA: Charlotte Hornets share update after LaMelo Ball’s car crash
NHL: 2026 Winter Olympics men’s hockey, NHL payrolls for final four teams
SPORTS MEDIA: Olympics reporter apologizes for drinking, slurring words during live segment
The post Eileen Gu responds to JD Vance after Winter Olympics criticism appeared first on The Big Lead.
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MORE: How much does Eileen Gu get paid to represent China over USA in Olympics?
She came from winning two gold medals and a silver medal in the 2022 Beijing Games. Gu added two more silvers in Italy during this year’s games. On Tuesday, Vance told Fox News he would like to see athletes born in the U.S. representing the country.
“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,” he said. “So, I’m going to root for American athletes, and I think part of that is people who identify themselves as Americans. That’s who I’m rooting for this Olympics.”
On Thursday, the freestyle skier clapped back at the politician.
“I’m flattered. Thanks, JD! That’s sweet,” she said, via USA Today.
MORE: Former NBA star bashes 2026 Winter Olympics ‘traitor’ Eileen Gu
Eileen Gu says people’s perception of China has turned them against the skier
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Feb 14, 2026; Livigno, Italy; Ailing Eileen Gu of China reacts after her first jump in the women’s freestyle skiing big air qualification during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Livigno Snow Park. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
The athlete said that the way China is seen within America has affected how people see her decision to represent the Asian country.
“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,” Gu said. “So it’s not really about what they think it’s about.
“And also, because I win. Like if I wasn’t doing well, I think that they probably wouldn’t care as much, and that’s OK for me.”
She has been under a lot of criticism during the Milano Cortina Games. Gu said she felt like a “punching bag” amid the constant criticism. The final event of her 2026 Olympic journey will come on Saturday. She will have the opportunity to win a sixth Olympic medal after qualifying for the final of the women’s halfpipe event.
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OLYMPICS: 2026 Winter Olympics medal count, standings entering February 20
NFL: Predicting the 2026 NFL free agent signings
MLB: Detroit Tigers drop unreal alternate jerseys for 2026 MLB season
NBA: Charlotte Hornets share update after LaMelo Ball’s car crash
NHL: 2026 Winter Olympics men’s hockey, NHL payrolls for final four teams
SPORTS MEDIA: Olympics reporter apologizes for drinking, slurring words during live segment
The post Eileen Gu responds to JD Vance after Winter Olympics criticism appeared first on The Big Lead.
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