Five-time Olympic medalist Eileen Gu has responded to comments from Vice President JD Vance, who suggested she should compete for the United States rather than China. Gu, the most decorated female freestyle skier in Olympic history, was born in San Francisco but represents China internationally.
Vance stated he hopes athletes who grew up in the US would want to compete for America. When asked about his remarks, Gu responded, "I'm flattered. Thanks, JD! That's sweet." She added that perceptions of China influence views on her decision, and noted that criticism often stems from geopolitical attitudes rather than her athletic choice.
Gu, who has won medals for China at the 2022 and 2026 Winter Games, will compete for a sixth Olympic medal in the women's halfpipe final. She has previously described feeling "just as American as I am Chinese."