Olympians speak out in defense of Eileen Gu amid criticism for competing for China over US

US Air Force Olympian Kelly Curtis and Team Israel bobsled captain AJ Edelman spoke in support of Eileen Gu amid global controversy over Gu's decision to. (Jackson Thompson / Fox News Digital)

As American-born Team China skier Eileen Gu faces mounting scrutiny in the Winter Olympics, two other Americans competing in Milan Cortina have spoken out in support of the controversial medalist. 

Team USA veteran women's skeleton athlete Kelly Curtis, who also serves as a staff sergeant in the Air Force, admits she hasn't put much thought into Gu's decision to represent China over the U.S. Still, Curtis insists she only has respect for Gu due to her talent and accomplishments. 

"I honestly have not given it much thought. She is the most decorated freestyle skier, so she's at the top of her run, and I have nothing but respect for her," Curtis told Fox News Digital. 

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Silver medalist Eileen Gu of China poses for photos after the awarding ceremony of the freestyle skiing women's freeski big air event at the Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Livigno, Italy, Feb. 16, 2026. (Photo by Wang Peng/Xinhua via Getty Images) (Wang Peng/Xinhua via Getty Images)

Meanwhile, another American citizen who chooses to represent another country in the Olympics directly supports Gu's decision to compete for China.

Team Israel bobsled captain AJ Edelman, who grew up in New England, has opted to represent Israel in Skeleton in the 2022 Beijing Winter Games and in bobsled this year. He previously told Fox News Digital that, despite being a proud American, he would never consider representing the U.S. over Israel. 

Edelman questioned those who have criticized her for choosing China. 

"Every