Olympians Liu and Gu travel very different paths, and China-US relations hang over their stories

The stories of two Olympic champions with Chinese heritage have come to represent the complex relationship between the world’s two largest economies, as their paths diverge dramatically despite similar backgrounds.

Eileen Gu and Nathan Chen became household names during the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, but their different approaches to national identity illustrate the growing tensions between China and the United States.

Gu, born in California to a Chinese mother and American father, chose to compete for China in freestyle skiing, becoming an instant sensation in the country after winning two gold medals and one silver. The 20-year-old Stanford University student has since become one of China’s most marketable sports stars, signing lucrative endorsement deals with luxury brands like Louis Vuitton and Tiffany & Co.

In contrast, Nathan Chen, whose parents emigrated from China to the United States before his birth, has firmly represented the U.S. throughout his career. The 24-year-old figure skater won gold in Beijing while competing against the host nation, maintaining his American identity despite his Chinese heritage.

Their divergent paths reflect broader geopolitical tensions that have intensified in recent years. Relations between Washington and Beijing have deteriorated amid disputes over trade, technology, human rights, and Taiwan. Sports, once seen as a diplomatic bridge, now often serve as another arena where nationalism plays out.

“These athletes embody the complexity of modern identity in a globalized world,” says Dr. Susan Reynolds, a professor of international relations at Georgetown University. “Their choices about which flag to compete under carry significant political weight, especially when the countries involved are locked in strategic competition.”

For Gu, the decision to represent China has brought both adoration and criticism. In China, she is celebrated as “Gu Ailing,” her Chinese name, and portrayed as a returning daughter. State media regularly features her accomplishments, and her social media posts routinely gather millions of engagements from Chinese fans.

However, in the United States, her choice has sparked debate about privilege and patriotism. Critics question whether she fully appreciates the political implications of representing an authoritarian state, while supporters argue that her dual heritage gives her the right to choose her sporting allegiance.

“I’m American when I’m in America, and I’m Chinese when I’m in China,” Gu once explained, attempting to navigate the complexities of her identity. This statement, however, has done little to resolve the controversy, as it sidesteps the increasing impossibility of maintaining neutrality between the rival powers.

Chen’s path has been less politically charged but equally significant. As an Asian American achieving Olympic glory while representing the United States, he challenges stereotypes and expands representation in winter sports traditionally dominated by white athletes.

Sports marketing experts note that both athletes have secured different but substantial commercial opportunities based on their choices. Gu’s decision opened the massive Chinese consumer market to her, while Chen’s American identity has led to partnerships with U.S. brands like Coca-Cola and Nike.

“The economic dimension cannot be ignored,” explains James Liu, a sports business analyst with Morgan Stanley. “The Chinese market represents enormous potential for athletes who can connect authentically with Chinese consumers, but the U.S. market offers stability and global reach that remains unmatched.”

As both athletes prepare for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, their stories will continue to evolve against the backdrop of U.S.-China relations. Whether Gu will continue to represent China remains an open question, while Chen has expressed his commitment to competing for Team USA if he participates.

Their journeys highlight how individual athletes increasingly find themselves navigating not just the pressures of elite competition, but also the complex web of international relations, cultural identity, and commercial interests.

For ordinary citizens with ties to both countries, these Olympic champions represent different approaches to an increasingly common dilemma: how to honor multiple cultural heritages in a world where the nations they connect are growing further apart.