Quote:
Originally Posted by Edward64
I'm split on Eileen Gu. I'm glad she was able to fulfil her childhood dream.
On one hand, it doesn't sit well with me that a US born Asian American has decided to represent China (if she gave up her citizenship, that would be a different matter). On the other hand, there are examples of other athletes, born in one country but representing another (either as naturalized or dual citizen).
I'm sure the US has benefited from such arrangements also. The question in my mind is ... did Eileen Gu give up her US Citizenship to represent China? China does not recognize dual citizenships. Apparently in a news conference, she hedged and did not answer. And the Olympics has long stopped being just for amateurs and guns for hire are not unusual.
Don't know. I think I lean towards being okay. Won't root for her but happy for her (we can only hope to be that talented), sad for the US, let it play out in future sponsorships, endorsements, court of public opinion etc.
|
Is it really fair to judge an 18-year old for picking a side (when she was 16) between the country she lives in and the country of her heritage? Aside from randomly being born into that situation, her additional bad luck is that there are political issues between the USA and China. Would the backlash be the same had her heritage been from another country?
At the same time, although she had to pick an NOC, it doesn't mean she turned her back on the USA as a country or as her home, she just made a decision of NOC, that to her felt to be the best for her ability to ski. And apparently it was the right decision for her.