Was that an example of someone’s “locker room talk”?
Regarding “representing China and taking millions in payments”… it looks like Gu and the PRC are being very good capitalists these days.
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A lot of Chinese Americans can’t stand Eileen Gu. Unlike most countries, China doesn’t allow dual citizenship. Has she given up her American citizenship? She remains tight lipped.
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Why did the figure skating replays disappear from Peacock? Possibly because of copyright issues…
This was the big story the first time she competed for China. This time around, it was barely mentioned. Someone somewhere someday will spill the beans.
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This drew significant attention in the Chinese media this time, largely because Gu was being compared to Alysa Liu, who was also approached by China but declined outright. Both athletes are children of Chinese immigrants. Alysa’s father took part in the Tiananmen protests and was later pursued by Chinese authorities. He eventually escaped to Hong Kong through an underground network and then made his way to the United States. He has said he would never allow his daughter to represent China, explaining that the U.S. is the country that gave him the opportunity for freedom.
I believe Alysa would likely out-earn Eileen Gu, given her broad and universal appeal.
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We all know that she hasn’t given up her US citizenship, otherwise she would be here on a student visa, which Trump could and would revoke.
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Renounce US citizenship, and you may no longer be allowed into the country. I meant the Chinese side of the story… selective rule bending for certain individuals.
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Let’s suppose that you take out citizenship in a country that does not allow dual citizenship. According to the laws of your new country, you only have one citizenship.
However, China does not get to decide whether the USA (or Canada for that matter) considers you to be a citizen. At least in some cases your prior country of citizenship might consider you to still be a citizen even if your new country does not recognize that you are a citizen of your prior country.
The laws of two different countries do not need to be consistent.
As an example that I am more familiar with, it used to be that the US did not allow dual citizenship, but Canada did allow dual citizenship (now they both allow it). There were some people who the US thought were only US citizens, but Canada thought were dual citizens. Then the US changed the law to allow dual citizenship which clarified things for people in this situation.
I don’t know what the situation is for a US citizen who takes out citizenship in China. However it would not surprise me if the USA considers her to still be a US citizen according to American laws. It also would not surprise me if China were to simply choose to ignore this nit so long as when she travels to China she uses a Chinese passport.
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My understanding is that China can revoke one’s Chinese citizenship if that person acquires another citizenship. And will make it impossible for that person to enter China again. Or just the opposite - not allow one out of the country after crossing into China. I know several Chinese US green card holders who are eligible for naturalization but would not do it because they want to be able to visit family in China.
Yes, in China, the authorities ultimately decide who is considered subject to the law and who is not. They are aware that Gu remains a U.S. citizen.
However, in Hong Kong, there is a political prisoner who holds a British passport, yet China declares him to be Chinese—arguing that dual citizenship is not recognized—and denied him British consular protection.
Elaine Gu does actually have ties to China through her mother, having spent a lot of time there through the years. She was offered lots & lots of money to compete for China. She took the money. Many athletes find ways to compete for other countries, ones with which they have weaker ties than Gu has with China. They often do it because they aren’t good enough to earn a spot on the U.S. team, but they can get on the team in the other country. Sometimes they go because they find a good partner in the other country (e.g., figure skating). I imagine some are offered money to compete for another country. The point is, Gu is not the first or only athlete to compete for another country. I’m not sure why she gets singled out for derision.
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Because she’s an extraordinary athlete.
And also - as ole Boomer demonstrates - because she’s a beautiful, intelligent woman.
I think there’s room in American and international sport for Gu AND Liu. And they both have a lot to teach us with their grace, humility, and ambition. And the joy they take from their sports. (And there is a cute video circulating of the two of them as tweens at an SF Chinese cultural event)
There were young Chinese female athletes on the podium in snow sports at this Olympics - not a common occurrence - and I have no doubt that Gu played an enormous part in hyping up winter sports in China for a whole generation of girls. Overall the number of East Asian girls and women on the podiums this Olympics was super inspiring!
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Some countries that do not allow multiple citizenships require that people who naturalize formally renounce any other citizenships with the other governments in question. Is that the (usual) case for the PRC?
There are rules for citizenship and then there are compelling reasons for exceptions. I’m imagining that Gu could have done this however it worked for both parties. Iow, not like it would work for me!
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I have never understood why an athlete would compete for another country. I guess if that is your only way to get to the Olympics/you didn’t make your country’s team?
I can’t see it (because I have never been in the position!) even if they paid me a ton of money. But maybe I would take the money and run/secure my future. How do you come home and say I won a gold…but not for this country where I was born and raised?
And maybe it is just me, but does it feel like less “country-oriented/focused” or more about individuals? Less “go country X”, “make my country proud”? I think it is just me and my mood. 
And maybe I am the only one who cares. lol
I also don’t get the “independent” athlete. (Are you homeless/countryless?) And then the announcers say Susie is “independent…and from Russia”. lol
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From what I can tell Elaine Gu has never said if she is a citizen of China. I expect the scrutiny is because: 1) she clearly would make the US team; 2)she wins gold medals; 3) the US and China are not on the best terms; 4) money was likely a factor in her choice; 5) she lives and attends college in the US.
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Then there is Zoe Atkin, with a very similar situation as Gu. Zoe was born in the US (so an American citizen) to a Malaysian Chinese mother and British father. She grew up on the East Coast and then the family moved to the Utah area so she and her sister for more freestyle skiing opportunities. She apparently spends time with her father’s family in Britain and competes for Britain. She finished third in the Olympics halfpipe behind Gu and Li Fanghui. She also attends Stanford, like Gu. So why has she completely flown under the radar? The US could have had 2 medalists!
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I think one reason is that the US relationship with Britain is more cordial than with China. Also Zoe Atkins is a dual citizen (Gu has not said if she is a citizen of China from what I can tell). Also Gu is more hugh profile in general as she also models extensively. And maybe Zoe Atkins isn’t getting millions to compete for Britain (though I don’t know for sure).
Look, people can do what they like within the rules. And I can cheer or not for whomever I choose.
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That actually is a large reason that someone who has a dual citizenship would compete with another country. There are a LOT of athletes who would love to compete but a team can only have a certain number. There are many competitions that lead up to the Olympics and only the top few who have accumulated the necessary points or wins will make the team. If you don’t make the US team but have dual citizenship then it becomes possible to still go to the Olympics. For a country that doesn’t have many athletes in a particular sport it’s a win-win for PR purposes. (But most athletes don’t choose to play for communist countries).
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