Eileen Gu Supports U.S. Bid To Host Winter Olympics Despite Skiing For Chinese National Team

Eileen Gu was a freestyle skier who, even though she is an American citizen chose to represent China in 2022 Winter Olympics. This decision was widely criticized, as China is far from a beacon of human right. However Gu has become a staunch advocate for America to host the 2030 and 2034 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. 

Gu, who spoke at TIME 100 Summit, expressed a desire for globalism. She also explained why she believes the U.S. should be hosting a future edition.

“I think that’s this beautiful example of globalism and of the capacity that we can use skiing and we can use sport and we can use winter sport to connect people,” she said. “Salt Lake specifically wants to become a global destination for athletes everywhere to come train there and they want to incorporate 15 new countries into the Winter Olympics. I think that’s something that’s really beautiful and I’ve always stood for that and so I’m really honored to be a part of the whole thing.”

You can read her full interview below with Sean Gregory (TIME Senior Sports Correspondent).

Gu was ridiculed in China for making her decision to act as a bridge for unification, even though she wanted it. According to Bloomberg, a number of users on Weibo (China’s version of Twitter) have criticized Gu for using her platform to make millions in endorsements (she’s made over $40 million) while not being able to choose a side on which country to support.

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Unity is always a positive thing. If you’re not sure why you are seeking unity, and you seem confused about your motives, then the cause that you are following becomes unclear.

She is certainly entitled to select the country that she wishes to represent, even though China does not allow dual citizenship. There is also no evidence of her losing her U.S. citizenship. However, her constant playing of both ends of the aisle seems a little suspicious.