Alysa Liu calls critics hypocrites for attacking Eileen Gu over representing China instead of United States in Olympic debate

Alysa Liu, the American Olympic gold medal–winning figure skater, recently spoke up for her long-time friend Eileen Gu after fresh criticism about Gu competing for China instead of the United States. In an interview with The New York Times, Liu said she does not blame Gu for the decision and called out people who attack her online. Alysa Liu and Eileen Gu both grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area and have known each other since they were teenagers. While speaking about the controversy, Liu said people judging Gu are being “hypocritical.” She pointed out that Gu’s mother is from China and said critics often send mixed messages about immigrants and identity.

The conversation comes as Eileen Gu continues to face strong reactions in the United States for representing China in international skiing events. Some public figures have criticized her choice, while others have defended her right to compete where she wants.

Alysa Liu defends Eileen Gu representing China and calls critics hypocritical while debate around Olympic identity continues

During her conversation with The New York Times, Alysa Liu explained that her view comes from knowing Eileen Gu personally for many years.




“I’ve known Eileen since I was 13 or something,” Liu said. “We’re from the Bay Area. She’s super nice, and her mom is from China.”

A video from 2018 recently started circulating online again. The clip, recorded during an event hosted by the Northern California Chinese Culture Athletic Federation, shows Liu and Gu as teenagers singing Alicia Keys’ song “Girl On Fire” together at a karaoke performance. The moment highlights how long the two athletes have known each other.

Liu said many of the attacks on Gu feel unfair. She believes some critics are contradicting themselves when they question Gu’s choice to represent China.

“I think people are hypocritical for shaming her for representing China,” Liu said. “Her mom is an immigrant. People would have told her to go back to China. Now that they’re back in China, you’re mad.”

Liu also said that, for athletes, the most important thing is the love for competition rather than the country they compete for.

“Sport is sport, and she has a love for competition, she has love for the game. I think that’s all that matters. There’s no shame in going to where opportunity is,” Liu added.

Eileen Gu has said before that she represents China because she wants to connect with her mother’s homeland and inspire young athletes there. She shared that view in an earlier interview with The Athletic.

However, Eileen Gu’s decision has brought strong reactions from many directions. According to The Wall Street Journal, Gu and another athlete together received about $6.6 million in funding from the Beijing Municipal Sports Bureau while preparing for the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics. Over three years, the total funding was reported to reach around $14 million.

Some athletes and public figures have criticized Gu sharply. Former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom told Fox News that he disagrees with her decision and called her a “traitor.”

At the same time, Eileen Gu has said the backlash has affected her life. In an interview with The Athletic, she said she had faced threats and even a physical incident while studying at Stanford University in California.

“Physically assaulted on the street. The police were called,” Gu said. “I’ve had death threats. I’ve had my dorm robbed.”

Despite the criticism, the debate around her decision continues across sports and politics.