At the 2026 Winter Olympics, American public opinion is deeply divided as two exceptionally talented Chinese-American female athletes are placed side by side for comparison.

Both were born in California, both were raised by Asian parents — yet they represent two completely opposite paths. As a result, much of the U.S. media has framed Alysa Liu as a hero, while portraying Eileen Gu as a villain.

➡ Alysa Liu

• The daughter of a political activist who participated in the 1989 Tiananmen Square movement and later sought asylum in the United States. She grew up in difficult circumstances, at times living with her extended family in a small one-bedroom apartment.

• Despite reported attempts by China to recruit, pressure, and even monitor her — to the extent that she required FBI protection during Beijing 2022 — she remained firm in her decision to represent Team USA.

• Alysa Liu went on to win gold in women’s figure skating, delivering the United States its first gold medal in the event in 24 years. American media has praised her as a powerful symbol of perseverance and triumph over adversity.

➡ Eileen Gu

• Born into privilege, with parents who are venture capital investors. She grew up in the affluent Sea Cliff neighborhood and attended elite private schools.

• She chose to leave Team USA and represent China at age 16. There, she became a national icon and one of the highest-paid female athletes in the world.

• Despite her continued medal success for China, Eileen Gu has faced intense backlash in the U.S., with politicians and public figures labeling her a “traitor,” arguing that her decision was driven purely by profit and business interests.