Enes Kanter Freedom Labels Eileen Gu a ‘Traitor’ for Competing for China in Olympics
NEW YORK, NY — Former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom has publicly condemned Olympic skier Eileen Gu for choosing to represent China in the 2026 Winter Olympics, calling her a “traitor” during an interview on Fox News’ “The Ingraham Angle” on February 17. Gu, who was born and raised in the United States, has become a focal point of geopolitical controversy by competing for Team China, a decision that Freedom says undermines the values of the country where she built her career.
“I’m just going to say it, she’s a traitor,” Freedom declared. “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. She built her fame in a free country, and then chooses to represent an authoritarian regime.”
Gu’s decision to ski for China has drawn scrutiny not only because of her dual nationality but also due to China’s ongoing allegations of human rights abuses. Various reports, including those from the U.S. Department of State, have documented concerns about systematic repression and violations within China. Critics argue that Gu’s silence on these issues while competing for China is problematic.
In addition to the political implications, Freedom highlighted Gu’s financial gains from the arrangement, noting that she has earned an estimated $23 million, a figure that has intensified debate over the intersection of sports, nationalism, and commercial interests. The athlete’s lucrative endorsements and sponsorships tied to her representation of China have been a subject of public discussion.
Gu has yet to publicly address the accusations or speak out against the human rights allegations against China. Her participation in the Olympics for China, where she recently won a silver medal in the women’s freeski big air event, has only fueled the controversy.
The debate around Gu’s choice is part of a broader conversation about athletes with dual citizenship competing for countries other than their birthplace, a phenomenon increasingly common in international sports. The United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee supports athletes’ rights to compete for nations they are eligible to represent, but the political context in Gu’s case has made this issue particularly sensitive.
Freedom, known for his outspoken activism on human rights issues, has previously criticized authoritarian regimes and used his platform to raise awareness about global injustices. His remarks on Gu’s decision reflect his broader stance on athletes’ responsibilities beyond their sports careers.
As the Winter Olympics continue, the spotlight remains on athletes like Gu who navigate complex identities and geopolitical tensions. The controversy underscores how international sports can become arenas for larger political and ethical debates, with athletes often caught in the crossfire.
For more information on human rights concerns related to China, see the U.S. Department of State’s 2025 Human Rights Report. Details on Olympic eligibility rules can be found at the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee website. Coverage of the ongoing Winter Olympics, including athlete profiles and medal counts, is available through the International Olympic Committee.
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