Eileen Gu Faces 'Traitor' Accusations for Representing China Over United States
Chinese-American skier Eileen Gu has been branded a 'traitor' by former NBA player and human rights activist Enes Kanter Freedom for choosing to compete for China rather than the United States. The Winter Olympics medalist, who has claimed two silver medals in Italy, faces mounting criticism from conservative commentators for what they describe as a 'sports-washing' coup for America's Communist adversary.
Freedom's Fiery Condemnation on Fox News
In a recent interview with Fox News, via the New York Post, Freedom did not mince words about Gu's decision. 'I’m just going to say it, she’s a traitor,' declared the Turkish and American activist. 'She was born in America. She was raised in America, lives in America, and chooses to compete against her own country for, literally, the worst human rights abuser on the planet, China.'
Freedom argued that Gu built her fame in a free country only to then represent an authoritarian regime. He accused China of leveraging her glamorous, Western-educated image to deflect international condemnation over issues like the repression of Uyghur Muslims and the dismantling of democratic freedoms in Hong Kong.
Political Backlash and Allegations of Human Rights Abuses
Vice President JD Vance joined the chorus of criticism earlier this week, expressing disappointment that someone who benefited from American education and liberties would not compete for the USA. 'I would hope they would want to compete with the United States of America,' Vance stated, emphasizing his support for athletes who identify as Americans.
Freedom escalated his allegations, claiming, 'She chose to play for a country that is literally responsible for the deaths of tens of millions of its own people, and literally running a concentration camp while we’re talking.' He also drew parallels to LeBron James' silence on China's alleged human rights abuses in 2019, suggesting a pattern of avoidance when such issues are raised.
Gu's Silence and Personal Struggles
Eileen Gu has never publicly commented on China's alleged human rights abuses, including accusations of systematic repression against Uyghurs and other Muslim ethnic minorities. Her decision has not come without personal cost; she has faced physical attacks on her college campus, death threats, and relentless media pressure on geopolitics.
In an interview with The Athletic last week, Gu reflected on the challenges. 'Things don't get easier,' she said. 'You just get stronger.' She added, 'It's hard. I've gone through some things as a 22-year-old that I really think no one should ever have to endure, ever.'
Recent Success and Chinese Adoration
Despite the controversy, Gu continues to excel in her sport. She claimed her fifth career medal on Monday night in Livigno, taking silver in the Big Air event to the delight of her adoring Chinese fans, who call her 'the Snow Princess.' The timing was significant, as the win coincided with Chinese New Year, a coincidence celebrated widely across Beijing's state media.
This followed another silver medal Gu secured on February 9 in the Slopestyle final, where she was narrowly pipped for gold by Switzerland's Mathilde Gremaud. Her athletic achievements remain a point of pride in China, even as the political fallout intensifies in the United States.
