Megan Rapinoe Praises Eileen Gu’s Decision to Represent China as ‘Excellent Business Decision’
MILAN, Italy — Former U.S. women’s soccer star Megan Rapinoe has publicly supported freestyle skiing sensation Eileen Gu’s choice to compete for China rather than the United States, calling it an “excellent business decision” during a recent podcast with fellow athlete Sue Bird. Gu, who was born and raised in the United States, has sparked intense debate during the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics by representing Team China and becoming the most accomplished women’s freeskier in Olympic history.
The controversy intensified after The Wall Street Journal revealed that Gu, along with another American-born athlete competing for China, received a combined $6.6 million from the Beijing Municipal Sports Bureau in 2025. Gu’s lucrative endorsements, including deals with major Chinese companies such as the Bank of China, have reportedly made her the highest-paid Winter Olympics athlete globally, with estimated earnings of $23 million in 2025 alone.
Rapinoe’s remarks come amid widespread discussion about national allegiance, athlete representation, and the commercialization of sports. On the podcast, she emphasized that Gu’s decision was pragmatic and financially savvy, noting there is “no shame in that game.” Rapinoe’s perspective highlights the evolving landscape where athletes navigate complex cultural identities and economic opportunities.
Gu’s choice has also drawn attention from U.S. military Olympians and international athletes, including U.S. Air Force Olympian Kelly Curtis and Team Israel bobsled captain AJ Edelman, who have expressed support for her amid the controversy. Their views underscore the multifaceted nature of modern sports diplomacy and personal agency.
The debate surrounding Gu’s representation echoes broader conversations about athlete recruitment and national sports programs, as well as the role of government funding in international competition. The United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee continues to monitor the situation as it balances patriotism with the realities of global sports markets.
As the Olympics progress, Gu’s performance and financial success remain a focal point for discussions about identity, allegiance, and the business of sports. Analysts note that athletes like Gu are increasingly making decisions based on sponsorship potential and market reach, reflecting shifts in how sports careers are managed worldwide.
For more on Olympic athlete policies and international sports governance, visit the International Olympic Committee and the General Administration of Sport of China. The evolving dynamics of athlete representation continue to provoke debate among fans, officials, and commentators alike.
Leave a Reply