An unexpected controversy is surrounding the Winter Olympics in Milan, unfolding not on the ice or snow, but across social media platforms. At the centre of the debate are two elite athletes: Eileen Gu and Alysa Liu.
Both women are American-born athletes of Chinese heritage and among the most accomplished in their disciplines. Yet they have become symbols in a wider political debate shaped by rising tensions between the United States and China.
Liu, whose father fled China after participating in the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests, competes for the United States. Gu, raised in California by a Chinese mother, chose in 2019 to represent China, citing a desire to inspire young people in Beijing. She went on to win two gold medals and one silver at the Beijing Winter Olympics in 2022, cementing her status as a major sports figure in China.
In the US, some critics have questioned Gu’s decision to compete under the Chinese flag, arguing that it aligns her with Beijing at a time of geopolitical rivalry. On Chinese social media, however, she is widely celebrated as a national icon. Meanwhile, Liu has drawn admiration in the US not only for her skating achievements but also for her family’s history of political activism.
The renewed backlash against Gu intensified after she publicly defended fellow American Olympian Hunter Hess, who had expressed “mixed feelings” about representing the US amid domestic political tensions. Former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom and other commentators accused Gu of benefiting from American freedoms while competing for China. Critics argued she had not publicly addressed human rights concerns in China, including allegations related to Xinjiang and Tibet — claims Beijing denies.
Scholars say the online divide reflects broader geopolitical rivalry. Professor Yinan He of Lehigh University notes that in an era sometimes described as a “new Cold War,” dual identity is increasingly viewed through the lens of national loyalty. Professor Richard King of Columbia College Chicago adds that both athletes have been cast into opposing narratives shaped by politics, class perceptions and cultural symbolism rather than sport alone.
Gu, often associated with elite education and international branding, is sometimes portrayed by critics as having made a calculated career move. Liu, by contrast, is framed by supporters as embodying patriotism and resilience. The rivalry narrative has intensified comparisons between the two, particularly after Liu helped secure a gold medal for the US figure skating team.
The debate has also drawn in public figures. Actor Simu Liu praised Gu as inspirational, only to face online backlash. The controversy underscores the complex landscape navigated by Asian Americans whose identities are often politicised.
As the Games continue in Milan, the achievements of both athletes risk being overshadowed by the geopolitical tensions that have turned their personal choices into symbols of a much larger struggle between Washington and Beijing.
About the author
Sonam Wangchuk Extends Hunger Strike in India
Indian activist Sonam Wangchuk has entered the 26th day of his hunger strike, saying he has lost 11 kilograms but remains determined to continue until the government guarantees the safety of student protesters. Wangchuk, widely known as "Sonam Sir," has become the face of a nationwide movement led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which is demanding major education reforms and the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over repeated examination paper leaks. The activist was removed from the protest site at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on Saturday and admitted to Medanta Hospital in Gurugram, where he remains under medical care while continuing his fast. Hospital officials said Wangchuk is being treated by a multidisciplinary team and remains stable. They added that all medical care is being provided with his informed consent. Protests Continue Despite Police Crackdown Thousands of […]
Thousands Evacuated as France Wildfires Spread
Thousands of people have been forced to leave their homes and holiday camps as fast-moving wildfires continue to spread across the Gironde region in southwestern France. Authorities say around 12,000 people have already been evacuated, while another 8,800 residents and visitors are being relocated as a precaution. According to local fire officials, the flames have destroyed approximately 3,100 hectares of land near the Bay of Arcachon, with strong winds and rising temperatures making firefighting efforts increasingly difficult. Most of those evacuated were visitors staying at campsites on the Lège-Cap-Ferret peninsula, while additional campsites in nearby Claouey were cleared as the fire continued to spread. Officials say the evacuations have been carried out safely, with no injuries reported. Gironde Prefect Sophie Brocas confirmed that nearly 10,000 tourists were among those evacuated overnight. Authorities have also closed several roads and forest areas […]
Minab School Strike Leaves Families in Lasting Grief
The destruction of Shajareh Tayyebeh Primary School in Minab, southern Iran, has become one of the deadliest civilian tragedies of the recent US-Israeli conflict with Iran. Months after the attack, teachers, rescue workers, and grieving families continue to live with the devastating consequences. Amaineh Nademi, a 33-year-old primary school teacher, walks through the ruins of the school where she taught first-grade girls. Parts of the building remain standing, but much of it has collapsed into rubble. She recalls where each classroom, office, and prayer room once stood, saying the school is now a place marked by loss and sorrow. The strike occurred on 28 February during the opening hours of the conflict. According to the Minab prosecutor's office, 156 people were killed, including 120 children, a pregnant woman, and her unborn baby. It remains the deadliest reported single attack on […]
Kokou Ekouagou préside le collectif artistique Fragments Nomades
Après 27 ans de carrière artistique, le plasticien togolais Kokou Ekouagou franchit une nouvelle étape en devenant président du Collectif Fragments Nomades, une association française dédiée à la promotion de l'art contemporain et des échanges culturels. Créé avec l'historienne de l'art et artiste collagiste Lielie Sellier, le collectif ambitionne de renforcer les liens culturels entre le Togo, la France et d'autres pays à travers des expositions, des ateliers et des projets artistiques. Pour Kokou Ekouagou, l'art constitue un véritable outil de dialogue, de compréhension mutuelle et de rapprochement entre les peuples. Reconnu pour une carrière de près de trois décennies, l'artiste togolais a vu certaines de ses œuvres intégrer des collections internationales, notamment celles du Torrance Art Museum en Californie. Son travail explore des thèmes tels que l'identité, la mémoire, le brassage culturel et le vivre-ensemble. Au-delà de sa carrière […]
Le MO5 rend hommage à Tavio Amorin, 34 ans après sa disparition
À l'occasion du 34ᵉ anniversaire de la disparition de Tavio Amorin, le Mouvement patriotique du 5 Octobre (MO5) a publié une déclaration rendant hommage à l'ancien dirigeant politique, présenté par l'organisation comme une figure majeure de la lutte démocratique et du panafricanisme au Togo. Signé par son coordinateur général, Eloi Koussawo, le communiqué salue la mémoire de celui que le mouvement considère comme l'un de ses cofondateurs et renouvelle son engagement à poursuivre son combat politique. Le texte adresse également un message de soutien à la famille de Tavio Amorin, notamment à son fils. Le MO5 décrit Tavio Amorin comme un militant engagé pour la démocratie, la justice et l'unité africaine. L'organisation estime que son héritage continue d'inspirer une partie de la jeunesse togolaise et réaffirme sa volonté de défendre les idéaux qu'elle lui attribue. Le communiqué est accompagné d'un […]
Georges William-Kouessan plaide pour des réformes au Togo
Invité de l'émission « D12 » sur Pyramide FM, le président du parti Santé du Peuple, Dr Georges William-Kouessan, s'est exprimé sur plusieurs sujets d'actualité, notamment la lutte contre la corruption, le dialogue politique et les inondations qui touchent le pays. Concernant la décision de l'Autorité de régulation des commandes publiques (ARCOP) sanctionnant un agent de l'État pour fraude, avec un ministre entendu dans le dossier, l'opposant a salué cette mesure tout en estimant que la lutte contre la corruption ne pourra être pleinement efficace que dans un contexte d'alternance politique et d'institutions plus indépendantes. Le président de Santé du Peuple a également critiqué le fonctionnement actuel du Cadre permanent de concertation (CPC), qu'il juge insuffisamment ouvert au dialogue. Il appelle à une réforme profonde de cette instance ainsi qu'à l'organisation d'assises nationales réunissant les partis politiques, la société civile […]
Related
Real Madrid in negotiations to buy Leipzig’s Diomande, source reveals
Real Madrid have opened talks with RB Leipzig over a move for Ivorian winger Yan Diomande, according to a source at the German club. The source told AFP that negotiations between both clubs are ongoing, with Real Madrid pushing to complete one of the summer’s biggest transfers. ESPN reported that Madrid expect to finish a deal in the coming hours, while other reports say Leipzig had earlier rejected an opening bid before fresh talks resumed. Diomande, 19, is understood to have given the green light to a move to the Spanish giants, and Madrid are said to have raised their offer to around €120 million including bonuses. Leipzig, however, is reportedly holding out for a fee closer to €130 million, and the German club has also considered keeping him for another season on loan.sports.yahoo+2 The Ivorian winger has attracted interest […]
Infantino slams World Cup critics for spreading hate
In an open letter and a long Instagram post shared after the tournament, Infantino said detractors were “consumed by hate and criticism” and had ignored the joy and togetherness experienced by supporters around the world. He described the World Cup, hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico, as “the greatest show on earth” and “the most outstanding” edition in history. “To those behind their pens and papers, behind their screens spreading hate and false rumours, I want to say that while you are sitting behind, we at FIFA are on the front lines organising, working hard, and delivering the best show in the world,” Infantino wrote. He accused some commentators of “planting seeds of hate” instead of acknowledging what he called a tournament of unity, safety and inclusion. Infantino urged critics to “find love and peace,” suggesting they should […]
Messi leads Argentina against Spain in blockbuster World Cup final
Lionel Messi is set to lead Argentina against Spain in a blockbuster FIFA World Cup final. Argentina booked their place in the showpiece after a dramatic semi-final comeback, with Messi once again playing a decisive role in the team’s attack. The veteran captain did not score in the semi-final but created both goals as Argentina turned the game around late to reach the final. Spain, meanwhile, arrive with a strong defensive record and will be hoping to stop Messi and the defending champions from making history. The final promises a huge battle between two of football’s biggest nations, with Argentina aiming to retain the title and Spain seeking another world crown. Fans around the world are expecting a high-quality contest as Messi chases one more major trophy in what could be one of the biggest matches of the tournament.
Messi aims for another World Cup milestone
Argentina are just one victory away from making football history as they prepare to face Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final. A win would make Lionel Scaloni's side only the third nation to successfully defend the World Cup, matching the achievements of Italy (1934 and 1938) and Brazil (1958 and 1962). Much of Argentina's hopes once again rest on captain Lionel Messi, who continues to deliver outstanding performances despite approaching the later stages of his career. Victory on Sunday would see him become the first captain in history to lift the FIFA World Cup trophy twice. Messi has enjoyed another remarkable tournament, scoring eight goals in seven matches and moving within one goal of Kylian Mbappé in the race to become the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history. His performances have played a crucial role in guiding […]
Messi leads Argentina against Spain in blockbuster World Cup final
Lionel Messi is set to lead Argentina against Spain in a blockbuster FIFA World Cup final. Argentina booked their place in the showpiece after a dramatic semi-final comeback, with Messi once again playing a decisive role in the team’s attack. The veteran captain did not score in the semi-final but created both goals as Argentina turned the game around late to reach the final. Spain, meanwhile, arrive with a strong defensive record and will be hoping to stop Messi and the defending champions from making history. The final promises a huge battle between two of football’s biggest nations, with Argentina aiming to retain the title and Spain seeking another world crown. Fans around the world are expecting a high-quality contest as Messi chases one more major trophy in what could be one of the biggest matches of the tournament.
Burna Boy, Madonna, Justin Bieber, others to perform at World Cup final halftime show tonight
Nigerian music star Burna Boy is set to perform alongside Madonna, Justin Bieber, Shakira and BTS at the first-ever FIFA World Cup final halftime show The historic 11-minute performance will take place at the New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19 and is being curated by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin. According to FIFA, the show is part of a broader effort to promote education and football opportunities for children through the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund. Burna Boy’s appearance marks another major international milestone for the Afrobeats star, who has continued to gain global recognition through major collaborations and festival performances. Other performers expected to feature in the show include Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel, the PS22 Chorus from Staten Island and Coldplay. The event is expected to draw a massive global audience as football fans around the world tune […]