This was shocking to see.
American-born Olympic skier Eileen Gu is once again drawing criticism after being honored at a Chinese New Year parade in San Francisco — despite her controversial decision to compete for China instead of the United States at the Winter Olympics.
Gu, who was born and raised in America but chose to represent Beijing on the world stage, served as the grand marshal of the parade on Saturday, placing her back in the national spotlight.
For many Americans, the moment revived an ongoing debate: why would an athlete born in the United States choose to compete for one of America’s biggest geopolitical rivals?
Honored At Major San Francisco Celebration
Before the parade began, Gu spoke with local station KGO-TV about the significance of the moment.
“This is a special thing to be grand marshal and to be part of this celebration,” she said.
The Olympic skier also shared memories of attending the San Francisco parade as a child with her family and recalled the cultural traditions she grew up around, including cooking alongside her mother and grandmother.
Now 22, Gu says she hopes her platform allows her to influence more than just sports.
“My biggest goal has always been to create the greatest positive impact on the global stage that I possibly can,” Gu explained. “Right now that includes sport, fashion and education.”
A Decision That Sparked Nationwide Backlash
Gu’s athletic success has been undeniable. Competing for China, she won three medals at the Winter Olympics, instantly becoming one of the most recognizable stars of the Beijing Games.
But her decision to compete for China instead of the United States sparked intense criticism from many Americans.
Critics argued that turning down Team USA in favor of representing a foreign government — particularly one frequently at odds with Washington — raised serious concerns about national loyalty and patriotism in international competition.
The controversy followed Gu throughout the Olympic Games and has resurfaced repeatedly ever since.
Gu Explains Why She Chose China
In a recent social media post, Gu reflected on her decision and explained the reasoning behind her choice.
She said her passion for expanding opportunities in sports began early in life. According to Gu, she gave her first speech about women in sports and Title IX when she was only 11 years old.
At the time, she was often the only girl competing on her ski team.
Despite attending an all-girls school during the week, she said many of her closest friendships came through sports competitions on weekends.
Gu also acknowledged that she spent time competing with the U.S. national ski team earlier in her career and remains grateful for the experience.
“When I was 15, I made the decision to compete for China,” she wrote. “I had spent one season with the U.S. team and had the opportunity to meet many of my heroes. I will always appreciate that time.”
Ties To China Influenced Her Decision
Gu said she had deep personal connections to China growing up.
Beginning at age eight, she spent many summers there helping organize ski training camps and programs designed to introduce young athletes to the sport.
At the time, she said the sport was still relatively small in China.
By representing China in the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, Gu said she believed she could introduce freeskiing to millions of new fans.
“Skiing for Team China meant introducing the sport to hundreds of millions of people who had never heard of it,” she wrote.
Critics Still Question Her Choice
Even so, Gu acknowledged that many Americans still do not agree with her decision.
“I know some people don’t understand my choice,” she admitted.
But she insists the move helped grow the sport internationally.
Looking back today, Gu says she believes the impact has already been visible.
“There are now terrain parks filled with young girls who never doubt they belong in this sport,” she wrote. “Millions of girls have started skiing since then in China and around the world.”
The Debate Isn’t Going Away
Still, the controversy surrounding Gu continues.
For many Americans — particularly at a time of rising tensions between Washington and Beijing — the decision by an American-born athlete to represent China remains a deeply emotional and political issue.
And as Gu’s fame continues to grow both on and off the slopes, the debate over patriotism, sports, and national identity is likely far from over.