Who Are the Chinese-American Olympians Competing for Rival Superpowers?

The ongoing debate surrounding the Winter Olympics in Milan has shifted from the competition on the slopes and rinks to a heated discussion on identity and loyalty, particularly focusing on two athletes of American-Chinese heritage: Eileen Gu and Alysa Liu. Gu, who represents China, is celebrated as a trailblazer, while Liu, competing for the USA, faces accusations of being a traitor. This dichotomy highlights the complexities of national identity, immigrant experiences, and the political tensions between the US and China.

Last updated: 15 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

As the Winter Olympics progress, the rivalry between Eileen Gu and Alysa Liu underscores deeper national and cultural divisions. While Gu enjoys significant fame in China, Liu's background fosters sympathy in the US due to her father's activism against the Chinese government. This situation has intensified scrutiny over both athletes, particularly in social media discussions that reflect broader geopolitical tensions.

Key takeaways

Eileen Gu is representing China despite her American upbringing, leading to mixed reactions in the US.
Alysa Liu, whose father is a political activist, competes for the US, garnering support rooted in her family's history.
The backlash against Gu centres around issues of identity, loyalty, and the political landscape of US-China relations.

Timeline: how we got here

Here’s a brief timeline of key events leading up to the current situation:

2019: Eileen Gu switches from Team USA to Team China to prepare for the 2022 Winter Olympics.
2022: Gu competes in the Beijing Winter Olympics, winning two gold medals and one silver, becoming a national icon in China.
October 2023: The Olympics in Milan reignite discussions about Gu and Liu, reflecting on their differing national representations.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Recent social media discussions have intensified, particularly following comments made by Olympian Hunter Hess about representing the US amidst political controversies. Gu’s subsequent remarks regarding feeling burdened by representing two countries have reignited criticism of her loyalty.

What was already established

Gu has been celebrated in China as a sports icon, while Liu’s family history of activism has positioned her as a symbol of resistance against the Chinese government. The contrasting narratives around their identities have drawn significant public interest and debate.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The ongoing discussions surrounding Gu and Liu may not have direct financial implications for UK consumers, but they reflect a growing interest in the complexities of identity and representation in global sports, which could influence public sentiment and cultural discussions in the UK.

Businesses and jobs

Companies involved in sports sponsorship may find themselves navigating a more complex landscape as public opinion shifts regarding athletes' national representations. This could affect marketing strategies and partnership decisions.

Policy and regulation

As discussions about identity and representation evolve, policymakers may need to consider how these narratives influence broader cultural and diplomatic relations, particularly in the context of UK-China relations.

Numbers that matter

£16.9 million: Estimated annual earnings of Eileen Gu, making her one of the highest-paid female athletes globally.
3: Olympic medals won by Gu during the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing.
1989: Year of the Tiananmen Square protests, significantly impacting Alysa Liu's family history and public perception.

Definitions and jargon buster

Freestyle skiing: A type of skiing that includes techniques like jumps and tricks, often performed in competitive events.
National loyalty: A sense of allegiance to one’s country, which can impact public perception of athletes representing nations.
Tiananmen Square protests: A pro-democracy movement in China that was violently suppressed by the government in 1989.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

As the Winter Olympics continue, the media coverage of both athletes will likely persist, especially regarding their performances and public statements. Observers should keep an eye on how these narratives evolve in relation to the events.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Post-Olympics, the focus may shift towards the athletes' careers and how their experiences shape their public personas. The ongoing geopolitical climate may continue to influence discussions about identity and representation.

Signals to watch

Changes in public sentiment towards athletes representing different nations, particularly relating to the US and China.
Emerging narratives in social media discussions that may reflect broader cultural and political trends.
Reactions from corporate sponsors regarding athlete endorsements and public image management.

Practical guidance

Do

Stay informed about the ongoing narratives surrounding athletes in international competitions.
Engage in discussions that consider the complexities of identity and representation in sports.

Don’t

Assume that public opinion is monolithic; perspectives can vary greatly based on personal experiences and backgrounds.
Engage in divisive rhetoric that oversimplifies the athletes' identities and choices.

Checklist

Consider the historical context of athletes' backgrounds.
Reflect on how geopolitical tensions shape public perceptions of athletes.
Stay aware of how social media influences narratives surrounding sports figures.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

The discussions surrounding Gu and Liu highlight the precarious nature of identity politics in sports. With the ongoing geopolitical tensions, narratives may shift rapidly, and public opinion can be influenced by various factors, including media portrayals and political commentary. It is crucial to approach these discussions with an understanding of the complexities involved.

Bottom line

The contrasting narratives of Eileen Gu and Alysa Liu serve as a microcosm of the broader geopolitical tensions between the US and China. As the Winter Olympics unfold, the focus on these athletes will likely continue to reflect ongoing discussions about identity, loyalty, and the immigrant experience in a politically charged environment.

FAQs

Why is Eileen Gu considered a trailblazer?

Eileen Gu is hailed as a trailblazer because of her success in freestyle skiing and her ability to inspire young people, particularly in China, where she represents the country in the Winter Olympics.

What is the significance of Alysa Liu's family background?

Alysa Liu's family history, particularly her father's activism during the Tiananmen Square protests, adds depth to her identity as an athlete and shapes public perception of her competing for the US.

How do geopolitical tensions affect athletes like Gu and Liu?

Geopolitical tensions between the US and China influence public sentiment and media narratives surrounding athletes, often complicating their identities and the choices they make regarding national representation.