Alysa Liu recently opened up about the reason behind her support for Eileen Gu’s choice to compete for China at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Both the athletes stunned the audience with their performances in their respective sports at the Milan-Cortina.
Gu was born in the USA but represented China at the 2026 Winter Olympics, where she won two silver medals and one gold medal in freestyle skiing. Following this, she faced heavy backlash online and even from Vice President JD Vance for competing for China at the event.
Even though she explained multiple times that she wanted to do more for her mother’s native country, she was still called a ‘traitor.’ Recently, Liu supported Gu. When asked by a reporter about the situation, she said that she has known Gu since she was 13 and called people ‘hypocritical’ for shaming her.
“I’ve known Eileen since I was 13 or something. We’re from the Bay Area. She’s super nice, and her mom is from China. I think people are hypocritical for shaming her for representing China. So in my head it’s a bit hypocritical, because her mom is an immigrant. Y’all would have told her to go back to China. Now that they’re back in China, you’re mad,” said Liu.
Days after the statement, the figure skater was asked why she found it necessary to comment on Gu’s situation. Liu revealed the reason behind defending the freestyle skier.
“I mean, I was asked, so I replied. My response was very true, and I think she’s valid in whatever she decides to do,” said Liu.
The 20-year-old recently received a big Oakland homecoming honor to celebrate her two gold medals she won at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Alysa Liu opened up about how she started skating
Alysa Liu answered multiple questions related to her 2026 Winter Olympics, overall skating journey, and details about her family during an interview with Rolling Stone. The 20-year-old revealed her skating journey began at the age of five and how her father took her and her sister to the rink.
Opening up about her career, she said: (5:06 onwards)
