The two Chinese-American Olympians competing for rival superpowers

February 13, 2026

A fierce online controversy has erupted over two American-born athletes of Chinese descent competing in the Milan Winter Olympics, with Eileen Gu representing China and Alysa Liu competing for the United States. The debate intensified when Gu defended fellow Olympian Hunter Hess after he expressed mixed feelings about representing America, drawing criticism that she speaks out against US politics while remaining silent on China's human rights record. The conflict reflects deeper US-China geopolitical tensions, with vocal minorities on both American and Chinese social media questioning the athletes' loyalty and identity based solely on their flag choice.

Who is affected

Eileen Gu (freestyle skier representing China)
Alysa Liu (figure skater representing the US)
Arthur Liu (Alysa's father, Tiananmen Square protester)
Hunter Hess (US Olympian who made comments about representing America)
Simu Liu (Marvel actor who defended Gu and faced backlash)
Asian Americans navigating political and social pressures
Athletes with dual heritage competing in international sports
The broader Asian American community facing questions about loyalty and identity

What action is being taken

Political commentators and users on X are posting criticism comparing Gu and Liu
Chinese social media users are censoring or criticizing references to Liu
Gu is competing in the Milan Winter Olympics for China
Liu is competing in the Milan Winter Olympics for the US
Critics are questioning Gu's loyalty and demanding she criticize China's government
State media and supporters in China are following and praising Gu's performances

Why it matters

This controversy matters because it exposes how Asian Americans are held to different standards of loyalty and subjected to intense political scrutiny based on their national allegiances. The situation demonstrates how US-China geopolitical tensions are creating a hostile environment where athletes' personal identity choices become weaponized in broader nationalist narratives. It highlights the precarious position of dual-heritage individuals who are forced to navigate competing demands from both countries while facing accusations of disloyalty regardless of their choice. The episode also reveals how class, immigrant background, and family history influence public perception, with athletes being reduced to political symbols rather than being recognized for their sporting achievements.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC