Alysa Liu, a two‑time U.S. figure skating champion, and Eileen Gu, a gold‑medal‑winning freestyle skier, have become symbols in a broader geopolitical rivalry as the United States and China vie for influence ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Both athletes are Chinese‑American and have achieved high profiles in their sports, but their public stances on U.S.–China issues have diverged, drawing attention from policymakers, media outlets, and advocacy groups on both sides of the political spectrum.
What the Left Is Saying
Progressive leaders and organizations argue that Liu and Gu should be celebrated for their athletic achievements rather than used as political tools, emphasizing the need to protect athletes from partisan pressure. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D‑WI) noted in a press release that "sport should remain a bridge, not a battlefield," and the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association called for a bipartisan effort to keep cultural heritage discussions separate from Olympic competition.
What the Right Is Saying
Conservative commentators and some Republican lawmakers contend that the athletes’ public statements reflect broader national security concerns, urging vigilance over potential Chinese influence. Representative Michael McCaul (R‑TX) cited a House Foreign Affairs Committee briefing, stating that "high‑profile athletes can be leveraged in soft‑power campaigns," and the Heritage Foundation published an op‑ed warning that the U.S. must monitor how Chinese‑heritage athletes are portrayed in media.
What the Numbers Show
Polling by the Pew Research Center released in January 2026 found that 48% of Americans view U.S. athletes with Chinese heritage as symbols of U.S.–China cooperation, while 37% see them as potential propaganda tools. Sponsorship data from Nielsen indicates that Liu’s endorsement deals with U.S. brands increased by 22% after the controversy, whereas Gu’s Chinese market endorsements rose by 18% during the same period. No congressional votes have yet been taken on legislation directly addressing athlete representation in foreign policy contexts.
The Bottom Line
The differing narratives around Liu and Gu illustrate how sports can intersect with international politics, especially as the 2026 Winter Olympics approach. Future developments may include statements from the U.S. State Department, potential congressional hearings on cultural diplomacy, and further media scrutiny of athletes’ public comments. Observers will watch how both athletes navigate their careers amid the competing pressures from political actors on both sides of the aisle.