California Republicans are blasting San Francisco–born Olympic star Eileen Gu after the freestyle skier received a hero’s welcome during the city’s annual Chinese New Year Festival and Parade, with critics accusing the celebration of honoring an athlete who chose to compete for China instead of the United States.
The Monterey County Republican Party ignited the backlash after sharing video on X showing Gu being greeted by massive crowds in San Francisco following her performance at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
“SF cleans up nicely for the CCP,” the group wrote in a post accompanying the footage, referring to China’s ruling government, the Chinese Communist Party.
Gu, who was born and raised in San Francisco but competes internationally for China, has long drawn scrutiny from critics who question her decision to represent Beijing on the world stage despite her American upbringing.
The controversy resurfaced after Gu appeared as a grand marshal during San Francisco’s annual Lunar New Year parade, one of the largest Lunar New Year celebrations outside Asia.
Thousands of spectators lined the streets as floats, lion dancers, and marching groups made their way from downtown into Chinatown in a colorful celebration of Chinese culture and heritage. Firecrackers popped throughout the procession as performers in traditional costumes waved to cheering crowds.
Gu appeared midway through the parade in a red convertible decorated with flowers, wearing a red dress — a color associated with prosperity and good fortune during the holiday.
Parade organizers said the Olympic champion was chosen months in advance to serve as grand marshal.
William Gee, one of the parade’s organizers, said Gu was selected before the Winter Games because of her influence and connection to the local community.
“The Year of the Horse brings new energy and new life,” Gee said. “She represents Chinese heritage and she’s an icon for many young people.”
Gu’s Olympic success has helped elevate her profile around the world. She has become one of the most decorated freestyle skiers in Olympic history, earning multiple medals at the Winter Games while becoming a global celebrity and brand ambassador.
But her decision to compete for China — a choice she announced as a teenager — has repeatedly sparked debate in the United States.
Supporters say the criticism misses the point of her multicultural background.
Vanessa Chan of nearby South San Francisco said Gu represents a blend of cultures that resonates with many in the Bay Area.
“She’s really wonderful,” Chan said while attending the parade. “She’s funny, sunny, and she represents positivity.”
Another attendee, Megan Chin, said the attacks against Gu are unfair and ignore the realities of growing up between cultures.
“When you’re multicultural and you want to celebrate both heritages, it’s great to be happy for someone if they want to celebrate their other heritage as well,” Chin said. “I am proud of her.”
Others echoed similar sentiments, saying Gu embodies the dual identity shared by many families in the region.
Calvin Lui, who attended the parade with his young son, said he appreciated the athlete representing both her hometown and her heritage.
“That’s her identity,” Lui said. “Both countries — so she gets the best of both worlds.”
San Francisco’s Chinese New Year parade, first organized in the 1860s by Chinese immigrants during the Gold Rush era, remains one of the city’s most celebrated cultural traditions.
But this year’s festivities — meant to celebrate the Lunar New Year and the Year of the Horse — have also reignited the political debate surrounding one of the Bay Area’s most famous athletes.
