The Winter Olympics are often a celebration of national pride, but a curious double standard has emerged in Milan-Cortina. While Eileen Gu, the American-born freestyle skier competing for China, faces relentless scrutiny and political questioning, Zoe Atkin, a Massachusetts native competing for Great Britain, has largely flown under the radar. Both athletes represent a growing trend of athletes choosing to compete for nations other than the one in which they were born, but the reaction to their choices has been markedly different, highlighting a complex intersection of geopolitics, identity, and athletic success.
The disparity in treatment became particularly pointed this week when U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance publicly questioned Gu’s decision to compete for China, suggesting she should represent the country where she grew up. “I would hope someone who benefitted from growing up in the United States, the way Gu has, would want to compete under its flag,” Vance told Fox News. Gu, who was born in San Francisco and holds dual citizenship, responded by suggesting the criticism stems from broader anti-China sentiment. “People only have a problem with me doing it because they kind of lump China into this monolithic entity, and they just hate China,” she said after qualifying for her third medal event.
A Different Path for Atkin
Atkin’s story, while similar in some respects, has unfolded with significantly less controversy. Born in Newton, Massachusetts, in 2003, Atkin also holds dual citizenship, and like Gu, has competed for her chosen nation – Great Britain – throughout her career. Her father is British, a key factor in her decision. “It also has a lot to do with my family and I guess I don’t really care what anybody else thinks,” Atkin explained. “Obviously, we compete for our nation, but at the end of the day, this is an individual sport and I’m trying to do my best show and my best skiing. To me, that’s all it’s really about.” Atkin, the reigning world champion, has found a supportive environment within the smaller British team, allowing her to train and compete at a pace that suits her.
The difference in reception isn’t lost on those observing the situation. Alyssa Liu, the American figure skating gold medalist whose father is Chinese, voiced her support for Gu, noting she’s known the skier since childhood. “Eileen is doing amazing. I’ve actually known her since I was a kid,” Liu said. “So I’m rooting for her always.”
The Changing Landscape of National Allegiance
The Olympic charter stipulates that athletes must be a “national” of the country they represent, with a “cooling-off” period for those seeking to switch allegiances. Neither Gu nor Atkin have undergone such a change. But the increasing prevalence of athletes competing under flags that aren’t their birth nations reflects a broader shift in the world of action sports. Freeskiing and snowboarding, in particular, foster a global community where athletes frequently travel and train together, often prioritizing camaraderie over national boundaries. “We’re all going to the same place, all traveling together,” said Nick Goepper, an American three-time Olympic medalist. “There’s 25 guys who do this at a high level across the world and it’s better to hang out and mingle with each other, just like people do.”
Gus Kenworthy, a halfpipe skier who previously competed for the United States before switching to Great Britain, experienced some backlash when he made his move. He cited the depth of the U.S. Team as a contributing factor, noting that even highly ranked American athletes can struggle to qualify for the Olympics. “You could be the fifth best person in America, ranked seventh in the world, and still not make the team,” Kenworthy said, recalling his own experience. “It’s great to have all these different countries represented. But sometimes it sucks to be in that position, and I’ve been in that position.”
Beyond the Flag
The scrutiny surrounding Gu extends beyond her national affiliation. Reports surfaced during these Olympics regarding alleged funding from the Chinese government, adding another layer of complexity to the narrative. Gu herself has consistently emphasized her desire to promote the sport in China and inspire young girls, rather than financial incentives. “I’ve never received criticism from anybody in the ski industry about any of these decisions,” she said in an interview with The Associated Press last month. “But that’s because I’m friends with all of them.”
As Gu prepares for her sixth Olympic medal attempt – aiming for a third gold at these Games – she acknowledges the attention her choices attract. “Like, if I wasn’t doing well, I think that they probably wouldn’t care as much, and that’s OK for me,” she said.
The case of both Gu and Atkin underscores a growing tension within the Olympic movement. While the Games are steeped in tradition and national representation, the increasingly globalized nature of sport, and the individual ambitions of athletes, are challenging those conventions. The debate over national allegiance is unlikely to subside, particularly as athletes continue to navigate the complex intersection of personal identity, athletic opportunity, and geopolitical pressures.
The women’s freeski halfpipe final is scheduled for Saturday, where Gu will attempt to add to her medal haul and Atkin will aim to solidify her position as a dominant force in the sport. The results will undoubtedly be analyzed, but the broader conversation about who gets to represent whom, and why, will likely continue long after the snow settles.
For updates on the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, visit the Associated Press Olympic hub.
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