In a recent article, 'The Athletic' section of The New York Times focused on Eileen Gu, an American-born skier, who has gained international acclaim for representing China in the Olympics. The report emphasizes her outstanding achievements, including being the highest earning athlete in her sport and the most successful free skier in Olympic history with three gold and three silver medals across two Games. Her personal reflections on competition underscore a profound connection to her journey as an athlete.

Contrasting Gu's celebration, the same week, the U.S. men's Olympic hockey team faced scrutiny for their decision to meet with former President Donald Trump following their triumphant gold medal performance. Critics argue that this visit could bolster Trump's image and distract from the athletes' accomplishments, suggesting a misalignment between the team’s public actions and the current socio-political narrative in the U.S.

The juxtaposition of these two stories highlights varying public sentiments regarding athletes’ roles and responsibilities in society. While Eileen Gu has become a symbol of national pride for China, her story raises questions about national identity and representation in international sports. Meanwhile, the reaction to the U.S. hockey team's visit reveals ongoing tensions in the political landscape and the scrutiny athletes often face outside their sport, emphasizing the intricate link between sports, politics, and national identity.