The 2026 Winter Olympics freestyle skiing event has taken centre stage today as Eileen Gu prepares for her final run, while fresh criticism from US politician JD Vance fuels a wider debate about national loyalty.
The final takes place this afternoon at the Milano-Cortina Winter Games in Italy, drawing global attention, including strong interest from UK viewers following the sport’s rapid rise in popularity.
Gu, who competes for China despite being born in the United States, remains one of the biggest stars of the Winter Games.
But comments from Vance questioning her national allegiance have added a political layer to what should be a purely sporting moment.
Who is Eileen Gu?
Born in California in 2003 to a Chinese mother and American father, Gu chose to represent China in 2019.
That decision triggered strong reactions in the United States but boosted her popularity in China, where she quickly became one of the nation’s most marketable athletes.
Her performance in the 2026 Winter Olympics freestyle skiing final could cement her status as one of the sport’s all-time greats.
How can UK viewers watch the 2026 Winter Olympics freestyle skiing final live?
UK audiences can watch the final through official Olympic broadcasters:
- BBC Sport – Coverage available via BBC TV channels and BBC iPlayer.
- Eurosport – Available through subscription packages including Discovery+.
- Discovery+ – Full event streaming coverage.
The final run is scheduled for late afternoon UK time, depending on weather conditions in Italy.
Why did JD Vance criticise Eileen Gu?
While he did not directly attack Gu personally, his remarks reignited debate around her decision to ski for China.
In a public statement reported by American media, Vance said: “If you grow up in America, train in America and benefit from our system, you should compete for America.”
🚨 BREAKING: VP JD Vance minces no words when asked about American-born Olympic athlete Eileen Gu betraying the US to compete for China — our adversary
“Someone that grew up in the USA, benefited from our system, freedom and liberty should want to compete with the USA.”
“I’M… pic.twitter.com/4gRVNqwahR
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) February 17, 2026
The comments quickly spread across social media, with users on X (formerly Twitter) debating whether athletes should face political scrutiny for personal career decisions.
Does nationality matter in modern Olympic sport?
Nationality switches are not new. Athletes in athletics, rugby, and winter sports have long represented countries linked through family heritage.
Under International Olympic Committee rules, athletes can compete for a nation if they hold citizenship and meet eligibility requirements.
In Gu’s case, she confirmed she holds Chinese nationality, though China does not recognise dual citizenship in the same way as the US.
For UK audiences, similar debates have occurred in football and athletics when players choose between England, Scotland, Wales, or other eligible nations.
The wider issue reflects how globalised elite sport has become. Training camps, sponsorship deals and family ties often span continents.
Why does this matter?
Freestyle skiing has grown rapidly in the UK. According to Snowsport England data in recent years, participation in freestyle and park skiing disciplines has steadily increased, especially among under-25s.
British athletes such as Mia Brookes in snowboarding have helped boost winter sport visibility at home. Although Team GB does not currently dominate freestyle skiing, medal ambitions for 2026 remain high.
Gu’s final run draws UK interest for two reasons:
- Elite-level performance in one of the Winter Games’ most exciting events.
- The growing conversation about identity, global citizenship and elite sport.
What should fans expect from the final run?
Freestyle skiing halfpipe finals usually feature:
- Two to three scored runs
- Judges awarding marks out of 100
- Points based on difficulty, amplitude (height), execution and landing control
Gu is known for attempting technically demanding tricks, including double cork rotations, which often push scoring boundaries.
Weather in the Italian Alps could influence conditions, but organisers have confirmed the course remains competition-ready.
