Olympians Liu and Gu travel very different paths, and China-US relations hang over their stories
Associated Press
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This photo combo shows, from left, Gold medalist Alysa Liu of the United States in Milan, Italy, Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026 and Gold medalist China's Eileen Gu in Livigno, Italy, Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026. (AP Photo/File)Gold medalist China's Eileen Gu celebrates winning the women's freestyle skiing halfpipe final at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Livigno, Italy, Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)Gold medalist Alysa Liu of the United States displays her medal after competing in the women's free skate program in figure skating at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Milan, Italy, Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)Olympic gold medalist and Grand Marhsal Eileen Gu smiles during the Chinese New Year Parade in San Francisco, Saturday, March 7, 2026. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)Alysa Liu of the United States, center, reacts with other athletes after performing in the figure skating exhibition at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Milan, Italy, Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
This photo combo shows, from left, Gold medalist Alysa Liu of the United States in Milan, Italy, Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026 and Gold medalist China's Eileen Gu in Livigno, Italy, Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026. (AP Photo/File)