2026 Olympics: Skater Alyssa Liu and skier Eileen Gu divide the Chinese American community

Two Chinese American daughters of the San Francisco Bay Area are in the Olympics: Eileen Gu, left, competes for the Peoples Republic of China and the United States' Alysa Liu.

In the heart of the San Francisco Bay Area—a place where identity is as layered as the fog rolling over the Golden Gate—two young women were born into a world of complex heritage and shifting loyalties. As the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics unfold, Alysa Liu and Eileen Gu have become the mirror images of a community’s deepest fractures.

The two young women are roughly the same age, both products of elite Northern California environments, and both balancing the rigors of American higher education. Yet, on the world’s biggest stage, their paths have diverged in ways that put Chinese Americans in a quandary: Who do we claim as our own?

On one hand, Alysa Liu  represents the United States. Born in Clovis, Calif. and raised in the East Bay, she was homeschooled in her high school years and attends the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA). Liu is the daughter of a political refugee who fled China following the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests. Her story is the classic American immigrant arc—one of seeking freedom and finding gold. 

On February 8, she helped lead Team USA to a gold medal in the figure skating team event, a triumphant return after a two-year break from the sport.

RELATED:

• Asian American Olympians honor immigrant parents
• Asian American skaters key to Team USA gold medal
• 14 Asian American athletes to follow at the 2026 Olympics
• 'Snow Princess' wins a silver medal for China
• Judging controversy tarnishes ice dancing medals
• Chloe Kim offers life lessons after winning a silver medal

On the other hand, Eileen Gu competes for the People's Republic of China. A San Francisco native, she attended a private high school and attends Stanford University, the same school attended by her Chinese-born mother, reportedly a venture capitalist. Gu spent summers in Beijing and speaks fluent Mandarin with a local accent. In 2019, she made the controversial choice to represent China, citing a desire to inspire young girls in her mother's homeland. 

On February 9, she secured a silver medal in the freestyle skiing slopestyle final for China, missing gold by a mere 0.38 points.

Gu is reportedly the richest athlete competing in the Winter Games. Newsweek reports her net worth at $50 million,the majority gained through modeling and endorsements, not prize money.

A community divided by choice

For many in the Chinese American community, these athletes aren't just competitors; they are "opposing archetypes" in a narrative they didn't write. 

In some circles, it is simple, it is The "Patriot" vs. The "Mercenary." Political commentators have been quick to weaponize their choices. Liu is often championed as a symbol of American values, while Gu faces labels of "traitor" or "mercenary" for representing a geopolitical rival while benefiting from American training and sponsorships.

However, in real life, the reality of duality makes the choice more complicated. Despite the backlash, Gu’s famous refrain—“When I’m in the US, I’m American; when I’m in China, I’m Chinese”—strikes a chord with those who live a hyphenated existence. They see her not as a defector, but as someone navigating the "messy middle" of a two-power world.

The comparison between the two has sparked fierce commentary on social media widening the everpresent gap between pro-PRC segments and democracy advocates; Alysa cast as a free spirit and Gu as an ungrateful elitist. 

"All of this frames how the media and the public make sense of Liu and Gu, who have been cast as the good and bad immigrant respectively," Professor Richard King of Columbia College Chicago told the BBC.

View from the edge

Though they represent different flags, their lives share a striking rhythm. Both are navigating the pressures of Gen Z stardom, balancing exams with Olympic podiums, and dealing with the weight of two cultures on their shoulders.

FYI: Alysa Liu is back on the ice for Women's Short Program on February 17. Gu will have the big air final on Monday, followed by the halfpipe qualifiers on Thursday, with the final coming Saturday.

They have never met, yet they share a specialized SF Bay Area upbringing that few others can understand. In a different world— one less dominated by "Great Power Competition"— they might have been friends, two California girls sharing boba and talking smack about their rival schools, discussing the impossible pressure of being everything to everyone. Instead, they remain the two poles of a community searching for its place on the edge of two worlds.

EDITOR'S NOTE: For additional commentary, news, views and chismis from an AANHPI perspective, follow me on Threads, on X, BlueSky or at the blog Views From the Edge. 

2026 Olympics: Snowboarder Chloe Kim offers life lessons -- on and off the snow

Chloe Kim rushes to congratulate Gaon Choi, who won the halfpipe gold medal.

History will say that Chloe Kim took home silver at the 2026 Winter Olympics, her quest for a historic halfpipe "three-peat" falling just short of the top podium spot. But Kim won something much more enduring than another piece of hardware. She won by standing in her truth and lifting others as she climbed.

Chloe Kim of the United States didn’t get her Olympic three-peat on Thursday, February 12, but she might have achieved something even more enduring -- a legacy. 

Taking the silver medal with a score of 88.00, Kim proved she’s still "the baddest" in the game, competing just 34 days after a debilitating shoulder labrum tear. But the real story was who stood above her on the podium: 17-year-old Gaon Choi, the South Korean prodigy whom Kim has mentored for nearly a decade.

She’s my baby,” Kim said of Choi. “I’ve known her since she was so little.” They trained together in Mammoth Mountain with Kim often translating for Choi.

“But it’s really cool to see how much she’s progressed,” Kim said. “I met her when she literally started halfpipe snowboarding. Sometimes it feels like I’m seeing a mirror reflection of myself and my family."

When Choi surged ahead with a 90.25 to take the gold, Kim was the first to celebrate, calling it a "full-circle moment," recalling her own debut on the medals podium three Olympics ago.

RELATED:  

• Asian American Olympians honor immigrant parents
• Asian American skaters key to Team USA gold medal
• 14 Asian American athletes to follow at the 2026 Olympics
• 'Snow Princess' wins a silver medal for China
• Judging controversy tarnishes ice dancing medals

Kim's preparation was severely limited by two shoulder dislocations in the four weeks leading up to the Games. She stated after the event that she was "so proud" to have competed and medaled despite the injury.

Beyond the 'model minority' trope

Like her decision to go for broke in her last run, Chloe Kim has refused to play it safe. During a week when political rhetoric in the US turned toward immigration crackdowns, she used her platform to defend teammate Hunter Hess after he was targeted for his views on immigration.

"Obviously, my parents being immigrants, this one definitely hits pretty close to home," Kim said, pointedly adding that "diversity is what makes us a very strong country." In a world that often demands Asian American excellence remain "invisible" and quiet, Kim’s refusal to stay silent is something she encourages her young followers to continue to speak out.

By honoring her roots and mentoring the next generation—including 18-year old Bea Kim, who placed 8th in the halfpipe and 16-year-old newcomer Thai American Lily Dhawornvej, placed 20th in the big air event and is scheduled to compete in her strongest event, slopestyle, Chloe Kim serves as a critical mentor for young Asian American athletes by directly addressing cultural barriers that often discourage  participation in sports or impact the mental well-being of those in professional sports.

An all-Asian podium for the halfpipe competition. From left, Chloe Kim (US), Gaon Choi
(South Korea) and Mitsuki Ono (Japan) took the bronze medal.

Kim has been remarkably transparent about her "darkest spaces" and her need for intensive therapy following the 2022 Olympics. Mental health is often a taboo subject in Asian American communities due to cultural shame or the "collectivist" desire to hide symptoms from family and larger society.

In late 2025, she joined the "Love, Your Mind" Campaign, a major public service initiative to encourage young people to prioritize mental well-being. By normalizing these struggles, she helps the younger Asian athletes understand that mental health is a foundational part of athletic longevity.

Breaking stereotypes

Because of her success snowboarding she has busts the stereotype that casts Asian Americans as unathletic, encouraging the younger athletes that its OK to be pursue interests beyond the classroom.

Her dominant aathletic career and grit — competing in 2026 through a dislocated shoulder — shatters racist tropes that depict Asian bodies as "fragile" or unathletic.

Kim has used her platform at the 2026 Olympics to call for unity among athletes facing political or racial scrutiny, showing younger peers that they have a right to voice their opinions and do not need to remain "invisible" or "silent." 

Kim's statement on Choi's gold medal: "It's all about inspiring the next generation. It's all about passing the torch. There's no one else I would have rather stood next to on the podium than her. I'm so proud of her, and I'm so excited to see what she does next ... it was so inspirational."

Chloe Kim teaches that a win or loss does not define a person’s value. She teaches that true success is being content with who you are, rather than just what you achieve. She warns against tying your entire identity and self-worth to results. That lesson is more valuable than any medal.

EDITOR'S NOTE: For additional commentary, news, views and chismis from an AANHPI perspective, follow me on Threads, on X, BlueSky or at the blog Views From the Edge. 

2026 Olympics: Judging controversy tarnishes a silver medal in figure skating

The husband-wife team of Madison Chock and Evan Bates win silver at the 2026 Olympics.

Although figure skaters Madison Chock and her husband Evan Bates delivered a performance of a lifetime winning a silver medal in ice dancing, a judging controversy has marred the final outcome.

On Feb. 11, Chinese/Hawaiian Chock and her husband, Evan Bates, captured the silver medal in ice dance, but the victory felt "bittersweet" following a judging scandal. 

Despite delivering what legendary skater Scott Hamilton called "one of their all-time greatest performances," the three-time reigning World Champions finished just 1.43 points behind France’s Laurence Fournier Beaudry and Guillaume Cizeron.

While five of the nine judges actually scored Chock and Bates first in the free dance, French judge Jézabel Dabois sparked a "scandale" by scoring her compatriots nearly eight points higher than the American duo. Dabois was the only judge to give Chock and Bates a score under 130, a move that critics and fans on social media have labeled as "possibly rigged."

Clearly disappointed at the results, Chock told CBS News that it's "important for the skaters that the judges be vetted and reviewed to make sure that they are also putting out their best performance because there's a lot on the line for the skaters when they're out there giving it their all, and we deserve to have the judges also giving us their all and for it to be a fair and even playing field."

RELATED:  

• Asian American Olympians honor immigrant parents
• Asian American skaters key to Team USA gold medal
• 14 Asian American athletes to follow at the 2026 Olympics
• 'Snow Princess' wins a silver medal for China

Fans and fellow figure skaters have voiced support for the Americans, arguing they delivered a flawless free dance while Beaudry and Cizeron weren’t as clean. 

She and husband Evan Bates won silver medals after Dabouis gave the American team a 129.74, the lowest score they received from any of the nine judges. If the French judge scores were not counted, the American pair would have won gold with five of the remaining eight judges having them as the top team.

The disparity of scores of the American team and the French team coming from Dabouis were judge to great to overcome the other judges' closer scores.

Data from previous competitions, including the December Grand Prix Final, suggested a pattern of Dabouis favoring French skaters even when they committed major errors or falls.

Twizzles and bobbles

The controversy centered on technical errors by the French team, Laurence Fournier Beaudry and Guillaume Cizeron, that critics felt were not adequately penalized, particularly when compared to the "near-flawless" performances of silver medalists Chock and Bates.

The primary technical disputes involved two specific elements where the French team appeared to struggle while the Americans excelled. 

In both the Rhythm and Free Dances, the French pair exhibited visible synchronization issues and "bobbles". Despite these errors, they received high Grades of Execution (GOE) and personal best scores.

A major point of contention was the Level 4 difficulty rating awarded to the French for this element, while Chock and Bates received a Level 3. Commentators noted the Americans' supposed error (coming down on the wrong blade edge) was "pretty impossible to tell," leading to a lower-than-expected score. The final gold-silver gap was only 1.43 points.

Bates emphasized that they did not believe the surprisingly low score was warranted, noting that he thought he and his wife skated "even better" than they had at their team event, at which they scored a 91.06.

The International Skating Union (ISU) defended the results on February 13, 2026, stating that "mechanisms are used to mitigate variations" and expressing full confidence in the panel.

Prior to 2026, the most infamous judging scandal was the 2002 "Skategate" incident in Salt Lake City, where a French judge admitted to pressure to vote for the Russian pair over the Canadian pair, leading to a massive overhaul of the scoring system.

Madison Chock and Evan Bates at the medal ceremony.

Is this the end?

The silver medal is the first medal for Chock and Bates in the individual rhythm skating event in the three Olympics In which they competed. Altogether, they have  two gold medals they won in the Team event in 2022 and this year in addition to the silver this year.

At 33 and 36, Chock and Bates are undecided about their competitive future.
As of Feb. 12, the couple has not officially announced their retirement. When asked if the Olympics was their "last dance," Bates responded, "I’m not sure," while Chock noted they were focused on processing the "waves of emotions" from their 15-year journey.

US Skate is reportedly going to file a request for a review of the judging but that might not change the final results.

"It's been the most special journey. I mean, we've been blubbering our way through all these interviews, just reflecting on what an incredible 15-year journey it's been and how intertwined our lives are with the sport," Bates a day after the results were announced. "And we fell in love on the ice and met each other through the sport, and all of our friends and support system are here because of the sport, and we're so grateful for everybody who's helped us get here."

EDITOR'S NOTE: For additional commentary, news, views and chismis from an AANHPI perspective, follow me on Threads, on X, BlueSky or at the blog Views From the Edge. 

Spy who romanced Chinese American politician gets 4-year prison sentence

Arcadia Mayor Eileen Wang and her ex-fiance Yaoning 'Mike' Sun.

 
The saga of Yaoning "Mike" Sun and Eileen Wang plays out like a spy thriller set in the suburban quiet of Arcadia, California.

This isn’t just a story about a campaign manager and a candidate; it’s a cautionary tale of how global power plays can reach right into an American City Council chamber. Here is the breakdown of the rise and fall of this Southern California power couple.

On February 9, a federal judge sentenced the 65-year old Sun to four years in prison. He pleaded guilty to acting as an unregistered agent of a foreign government, admitting that he took orders (and sought funding) from Beijin

The Power Couple of the SGV

For years, Mike Sun and Eileen Wang were a fixture in the San Gabriel Valley’s political and business circles. They weren't just partners in politics; they were romantic partners, once engaged to be married. They were seen as a "power couple" of the San Gabriel Valley, home to a large AAPI community of Chinese, Vietnamese, Koreans, Filipinos and Pacific Islanders.

Together, they operated the US News Center, a Chinese-language outlet. Wang owned it; Sun directed it.

Sun was the architect behind Wang’s 2022 victory for the Arcadia City Council. He served as her campaign manager and treasurer, successfully branding her as a "new political star."

'Cultivating' a US politician

The narrative shifted dramatically in late 2024 when the FBI pulled back the curtain on Sun’s side hustle. Federal prosecutors revealed that while Sun was managing Wang’s career, he was also reporting back to the People's Republic of China (PRC).

According to the DOJ:

Sun allegedly viewed Wang as an asset to be "cultivated" to promote pro-Beijing policies within the U.S;

The media outlet they shared was used to disseminate pro-PRC content, often at the direct request of Chinese officials; and

In a move straight out of a movie, Sun tracked and reported on the movements of Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen during her 2023 visit to California.

The fallout has been swift and definitive for Sun, while the political dust is still settling for Wang.

The most uncomfortable part of this story is the timing. Just days before Sun’s sentencing, Eileen Wang was sworn in as the Mayor of Arcadia, a city where 60% of its residents are of Asian descent. The spy case overshadows the historic swearing in ceremony giving the city four Asian American council members.

Wang hasn't been charged with a crime, and she’s been quick to distance herself, claiming she was "deceived" by a man she loved.

At her swearing-in, she made a point to say her loyalty is only to this country. But in the court of public opinion — especially in a city where over 60% of the residents are Asian — the optics are brutal. In federal filings, she is referred to as "Individual 1," part of a team Sun boasted was "dedicated" to the PRC's interests.

“When Americans vote for elected officials, they expect them to represent the interests of their constituents – not those of a foreign adversary like the Chinese government,” said Roman Rozhavsky, assistant director of the FBI’s Counterintelligence and Espionage Division. “By exploiting his position as a campaign advisor, Yaoning Sun attempted to undermine our political processes and democratic institutions for the benefit of the Chinese Communist Party.”

View from the edge

For those of us in the AAPI community, this case is a gut punch. It’s exactly the kind of fuel that drives the "perpetual foreigner" stereotype. We already fight to prove we belong; stories like this make it that much harder for every other Asian American who wants to serve on a school board or a city council without their loyalty being questioned.

On the other hand, there is the ever-present fear of the "perpetual foreigner" trope. Cases like Sun’s can unfairly cast a shadow of suspicion over every Chinese American who dares to run for office or engage in civic life.

As the PRC ramps up its efforts to influence Asian America and US policies, the challenge for Asian Americans is to remain vigilant against foreign interference without letting that vigilance turn into internal paranoia.

The Sun-Wang case serves as a loud wake-up call. It highlights how international power plays are no longer confined to Washington D.C. or the UN; they are playing out in our school boards, city councils, and local town halls.

The PRC is playing a dangerous game, using personal relationships and local dreams to build a beachhead in American politics. But the real collateral damage is not only the trust within our own community, but also how we are perceived by the rest of America.

EDITOR'S NOTE: For additional commentary, news, views and chismis from an AANHPI perspective, follow me on Threads, on X, BlueSky or at the blog Views From the Edge. 

2026 Olympics: 'Snow Princess' starts her medal quest with silver

Eileen Gu wins a silver at the Milan-Cortina Olympics.

Eileen Gu's quest to sweep gold at the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics hit a familiar Swiss-made snag Monday, as the San Francisco-born superstar took home the silver medal in the women’s freeski slopestyle.

Despite laying down a run she called the "best of her career," Gu was narrowly edged out by Switzerland’s Mathilde Gremaud, mirroring the podium finish from four years ago in Beijing.

A familiar rivalry

Competing for China, Gu opened the finals at Livigno Snow Park with a blistering 86.58 score. It was a statement run that featured back-to-back double corks and a custom-designed "dragon" ski suit meant to channel strength. 

However, Gremaud—who has become Gu’s primary foil in this discipline—answered with an 86.96, a razor-thin margin of just 0.38 points.

“I really did overcome so much to get here,” Gu told Olympics.com. “The last four years have been challenging, to say the least. I've dealt with a number of injuries. A year ago, I had the worst concussion I've ever experienced. I had seizures afterwards. There were people concerned (whether) I'm going to wake up.

“So being able to compete and really showcase my best skiing -- that was my best slopestyle run that I’ve ever done, and I know that was Mathilde's best slopestyle that she has ever done as well -- to participate in pushing the sport at the level that it's at, is the highest honor for me.”

Gu’s attempts to reclaim the lead were hampered by falls in her subsequent runs, including a slip on the top rail section that echoed a scare she survived during the qualification round.

RELATED: 

• Asian American Olympians honor immigrant parents
• Asian American skaters key to Team USA gold medal
• 14 Asian American athletes to follow at the 2026 Olympics

The 22-year-old made history at the 2022 Beijing Games when she became the first athlete to win three freestyle skiing medals at a single Olympics. Four years ago, she took gold in big air and halfpipe and silver in slopestyle.

Chinese media dubbed the 22-year-old "Snow Princess." 

Questions about Gu's nationality arose again Monday during competition, with many wondering why the US-born athlete chose to compete for Team China even though she was a sure bet to make the US team in 2022. She admits that she has received plenty of hate on social media because of her decision. 

“In the US, growing up, I had so many amazing idols to look up to,” she told The AP during the last Olympics. “But in China, I feel like there are a lot fewer of those. I’d have a much greater impact in China than in the U.S., and that’s ultimately why I made that decision.”

What’s next

Gu isn't done yet. She remains the heavy favorite in her two strongest disciplines where she is the reigning Olympic champion:

• Big Air: Qualifiers begin Saturday, Feb. 14, with the finals scheduled for Monday, Feb. 16.

• Halfpipe: Her signature event kicks off with qualifying on Thursday, Feb. 19, and the gold medal final on Saturday, Feb. 21.

For the Asian American community watching from back home in the Bay Area, Gu remains a figure of intense fascination as she defies stereotypes -- a Stanford student majoring in quantum physics and global fashion icon who continues to navigate the complex "box" of dual identity while dominating on the world's biggest stage.

EDITOR'S NOTE: For additional commentary, news, views and chismis from an AANHPI perspective, follow me on Threads, on X, BlueSky or at the blog Views From the Edge. 

2026 Olympics: Snowboarding champ Chloe Kim honors her immigrant parents and US diversity

Chloe Kim seeks her third gold medal at the Olympics.

As Chloe Kim prepares readies herself in her quest for an unprecedented third gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics, she’s making sure the world knows who paved the path to Italy.

In a poignant reflection shared just as the torch was lit, Kim pivoted from the technicalities of her run to the emotional weight of her heritage. For Kim, this isn't just about American gold—it’s about Korean American grit.

Kim spoke candidly about the "leap of faith" her parents, Jong Jin and Boran Yun Kim, took when they emigrated from South Korea.

"They left behind everything they knew — their language, their comfort, their entire support system — just so my sisters and I could have a shot at something bigger," Kim shared. "Every time I strap into my board, I’m carrying the weight of that sacrifice. I’m living the American Dream they dreamed for me before I was even born."

Kim's event is the Women's Half-Pipe which begins competition Wednesday.

For those of us watching from the Edge, Kim’s words hit home. She’s acknowledging the specific, often quiet struggle of immigrant parents who "empty their tanks" to fuel their children’s ambitions

RELATED: Chloe Kim wins gold medal in 2022

Kim's statement

Just before she begins her quest for a third gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics, considering her timing, Kim posted on social media what can only be interpreted as a response to the anti-immigrant hate emanating from the Donald Trump regime: 

I can’t believe I’ve arrived in Milan to represent my country at the Olympic Games for the third time. If you told little me that, she wouldn’t believe you
This one feels especially meaningful for so many reasons.

My parents left South Korea in search of a better future for their family. They left behind everything they knew so that my sisters and I could have the chance to one day live the American dream. Their sacrifice is one I will never take for granted.

So when I stand at the top of the halfpipe, competing on the biggest stage in sport, I do so with immense pride. I am representing my country but I am also representing those who took a leap of faith, who came to this beautiful nation carrying hopes, dreams, and courage.

I am proud of my heritage.
I am proud of my journey.
And I am proud to represent a country that is strongest when it embraces diversity, dignity, and hope.

GO TEAM USA!!

Kim indicated that the hatred has persisted throughout her career, particularly escalating since 2020, and has forced her to take measures for her personal safety.
Kim noted that representing Team USA is an honor, but representing the immigrant experience is her "true north."

Her response came amid a broader political climate where several Team USA athletes at a press conference expressed "mixed emotions" about representing the country during the Trump regime's aggressive immigration enforcement and questionable ICE operations.

A half-pipe teammate Bea Kim (no relation) said, "I think there are a lot of different opinions in the US right now. Obviously, we're very divided." The18-year old from California added, "I personally am very proud to represent the United States. That being said, I think diversity is what makes us a very strong country and what makes us so special."

"Nowhere else in the world can an individual express themself with the level of freedom Americans can," added Bea Kim, who is participating in her first Olympics.

"The Olympics are more than just sport. They represent global unity and peace," wrote Bea Kim in a social media post on Sunday. "Diversity is what makes the United States so special. It is woven into the very fabric of our country."

Freestyle skiers Chris Lillis and Hunter Hess expressed heartbreak over ICE raids, while figure skater Amber Glenn noted the difficulties faced by the LGBTQ+ community.

American athletes Bea Kim, left, and Chloe Kim share a hug during a press conference.

"There's obviously a lot going on that I'm not the biggest fan of," Hess said at he news conference in Milan ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics. "Wearing the flag doesn't mean I represent everything that's going on in the US.

"I'm representing my friends and family back home, the people that represented it before me, all the things that I believe are good about the US. I just think if it aligns with my moral values, I feel like I'm representing it."

Chloe Kim shared that the prevalence of hate crimes and online abuse has led her to carry protective items like pepper spray and a knife for everyday safety.

The statements by the athletes have drawn rebukes from the Trump regime and radical conservatives who equate criticism as being unpatriotic, an ironic sentiment  from people who support the Jan. 6 Insurrection.

As Chloe Kim chases her third consecutive gold this week, Kim has made one thing clear: The medals might go in her trophy case, but the victory belongs to the man who quit his job to drive her to the mountains and the woman who taught her how to stand tall in a world that doesn't always see her.

EDITOR'S NOTE: For additional commentary, news, views and chismis from an AANHPI perspective, follow me on Threads, on X, BlueSky or at the blog Views From the Edge. 

2026 Oympics: Asian American women help US figure skating team to gold medal

US SKATING

US figure skaters in the team competition include, from left: Evan Bates, Madison Chock, Ilia Malinin, Alyssa Liu, Ilia Malinin, Amber Glenn, Elie Kam and Danny O'Shea.

In a historic display of talent and grit, three Asian American women — Alysa Liu, Madison Chock, and Ellie Kam — anchored Team USA to a second consecutive Olympic gold medal in the figure skating team event.

The victory at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan wasn't just a win; it was a testament to the depth of Asian American excellence on the ice, as these athletes delivered under immense pressure to fend off a fierce challenge from Japan.

• Alysa Liu: Returning to the Olympic stage as the reigning world champion, Liu set the tone early by placing second in the women’s short program, securing 9 critical points.

• Madison Chock: Alongside partner Evan Bates, Chock dominated the ice dance segments, winning both the rhythm and free dance to lock in a perfect 20 points for Team USA.

• Ellie Kam: Making her Olympic debut, Kam and partner Danny O'Shea delivered a clean free skate to finish fourth, providing the 7 points that ultimately kept the US tied with Japan heading into the final event.

The 2026 Winter Olympic figure skating competitions are taking place at the Milano Ice Skating Arena (also known as the Mediolanum Forum) in Assago, a suburb of Milan, Italy.

"I was so proud of Ilia and everybody on our team," Danny O'Shea, US team captain for the team event, said. "It took every single point for us to do it today, and at the end of the day, that's what it takes. The team event is something special because it really does bring everyone together to support each other, build each other up and find ways to get one more point."

It is the second straight gold medal for the US team. It was awarded  first place in 2022 after the initial first-place Russian skaters were disqualified after it was found using performance-enhancing drugs.

The 2026 event proved that the figure skating competition is going to be stiff with Japan and the US trading first and second place throughout the event.

The gold was finally secured by  two-time world champion Ilia Malinin, whose final free skate broke a 68-68 tie, giving the US a 69-68 victory over second-place Japan. Host country Italy earned third place.

"I feel happy. I'm so glad to be here," said Malinin, 21, skating in his first Olympics. "This Olympic movement, this Olympic experience was a once-in-a-lifetime moment for me, so just being able to go out there, that's what I'm grateful for."

EDITOR'S NOTE: For additional commentary, news, views and chismis from an AANHPI perspective, follow me on Threads, on X, BlueSky or at the blog Views From the Edge. 

Filipino American sets record in the Super Bowl

Seattle Seahawks place kicker Jason Myers watches one of his Super Bowl record-setting five field goals sail between the goalposts.

Quick: Who scored the most points in Sunday's Super Bowl LX? Hint: He is a Filipino Amercan.

When the confetti fell at Levi's Stadium Sunday, the "12th Man" wasn't just celebrating a second Lombardi Trophy — the Filipino American community was celebrating one of its own. Jason Myers, the Seattle Seahawks' reliable specialist, didn't just participate in Super Bowl LX; he owned it, proving once again that Pinoy Pride has a permanent home on the NFL gridiron.

In a defensive battle between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots  where every point mattered, Myers was "nails" all night. He accounted for 17 of Seattle's 29 points, drilling field goals from 33, 39, 41, 41, and 26 yards. By going 5-for-5, he stands alone with the most field goals ever made in a single Super Bowl.

"It's made me who I am"

For those of us following the intersection of culture and sport, Myers is more than a stat line. He has been a consistent voice for the AAPI community, especially during the #StopAsianHate movement. 

"I am proud to say I am Filipino," Myers has said. "It’s a tiny little group when you get to pro sports ... once you find out (someone else is Filipino), it’s always met with a smile and a hug."

Besides Myers, there are several other NFL players with Filipino heritagem including:

• Cam Bynum (Safety, Minnesota Vikings): Heavily represents his Filipino heritage, often wearing the Philippine flag and engaging in community activism there.

• Josh Jacobs (Running Back, Green Bay Packers): Features the Philippine flag on his helmet, honoring his maternal grandmother.

• Andrei Iosivas (Wide Receiver, Cincinnati Bengals): Known for his speed and is of Filipino descent.

• Johnny Wilson (Wide Receiver, Philadelphia Eagles): A 6'7" receiver who takes pride in his Filipino roots.

• Sean Rhyan (Offensive Lineman, Green Bay Packers): Proudly honors his Filipino mother and heritage.

• Nikko Remigio (Wide Receiver, Kansas City Chiefs): A speedy receiver and return specialist.

• Tyler Allgeier (Running Back, Atlanta Falcons): A key offensive contributor.

• Tariq Castro-Fields (Cornerback, Carolina Panthers): A defensive back.

• Zaire Barnes (Linebacker, New York Jets): A developing linebacker.

• Dillon Gabriel (Quarterback, Cleveland Browns): Listed as a quarterback with Filipino heritage.

Myers' heritage isn't just a footnote; it's central to his identity. From honoring his great-grandfather who served in the US Navy to hosting free specialist camps in his hometown of San Diego, Myers carries the weight of representation with a quiet, familiar credibility.

Myers continues to give back through free performance camps at his alma mater, Mater Dei Catholic High School, ensuring the next generation of specialists has a path to the pros.

He has used his platform to stand firm with the AAPI community against discrimination, plainly acknowledging his lineage even when the spotlight isn't on him.

Sunday's record-breaking performance cements his place in NFL history, but for Filipino Americans, he’s already a Hall of Famer for making our community seen on one of the world’s biggest stage.

View from the edge

Myers has been increasingly open about his heritage. In a landscape where Asian Americans often feel invisible in professional contact sports, Myers has used his platform—specifically during the NFL's "My Cause My Cleats" initiative—to honor his roots.

"I’m proud of my Filipino heritage," Myers has shared in various interviews and social media posts. "It’s important for me to represent that community and show the younger generation of AAPI athletes that there is a place for them in this league."

EDITOR'S NOTE: For additional commentary, news, views and chismis from an AANHPI perspective, follow me on Threads, on X, BlueSky or at the blog Views From the Edge. 

2026 Olympics: The Philippine diaspora sends two skiers to the Winter Games

Tallulah Prouix and Francis Ceccarell represents the Philippines in the 2026 Games.

The closest thing to snow in the Philippines is the shaved ice in halo halo, a wonderful dessert full of fruit, sweet legumes, flan and Ube ice cream. That’s why some people are surprised to see the tropical country field a team for the Winter Olympics.

When the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics kicked off Feb. 6, the Philippine flag was flying flying high on the slopes—thanks in large part to the global Filipino diaspora.

While the Philippines might not have snow, it certainly has a deep well of talent and pride living abroad. This year, two alpine skiers raised far from the islands—are proving that "Laban Pilipinas" knows no borders.

Meet the Historic Duo:

At just 17, Tallulah Proulx is already a history-maker. The Uhah-based skier is the first-ever Filipina and the youngest athlete to represent the nation at the Winter Games. Inspired by her late grandmother and her mother’s heritage, Proulx hopes to be a role model for young girls everywhere, showing them they belong in winter sports.

Francis Ceccarelli, 22, was born in Quezon City but raised in the mountains of Tuscany, Italy, by his adoptive parents. A seasoned skier who began competing for the Philippines in 2023, Ceccarelli is fulfilling a lifelong goal to honor his birth nation on what is essentially his home snow in Italy.

“Since I started skiing, my Filipino identity has always been with me,” Ceccarelli told Olympics.com.

“It represents where I was born and where I'm from. It was a goal for me to ski for the Philippines, because it is not every day that we have a Filipino athlete skiing at international level,” he said.

“Competing in the country that adopted me for the country where I was born represents for me a special bond between the two nations I love the most.”

The two skiers wil be competing against elite skiiers from countries where skiiking with more training facilities and, well, more snow. For the Philippines' athletes, its the journey that matters. 

"I hope that me being at the Olympics and representing the Philippines opens up a whole new exposure to sports and what it can become," Proulx told CNN about Filipino representation in the Winter Olympics.

Ceccarelli and Proulx will compete in the giant slalom and slalom events beginning February 14,

A growing trend of diaspora support

The presence of these athletes isn't an accident. This marks the Philippines' seventh appearance at the Winter Olympics, continuing a tradition that began in 1972. 

The Philippine Ski and Snowboard Federation has been active in identifying and recruiting "kababayans" living in colder environments to represent the motherland. This strategy allows the Philippines to field a competitive team in sports that are geographically impossible at home.

The Filipino curling team celebrate the Philippiines first gold medal in the Asian Winter Games.

Beyond the alpine slopes, the diaspora’s influence has extended into other winter sports, with curling teams primarily composed of Filipino Swiss members also vying for their place on the world stage in recent years. The team barely missed qualifying for the Olympics after winning the gold medal in the Asian Winter Games. 

The Philippines' curling team, predominantly based in Switzerland, consists of skip Marc Pfister, Enrico Pfister, Christian Haller, Brayden Carpenter and Alan Frei.

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Whether they grew up in the Rockies or the Apennines, these athletes are showing the world that you don't need a cold climate to have a warm heart for your heritage.

EDITOR'S NOTE: For additional commentary, news, views and chismis from an AANHPI perspective, follow me on Threads, on X, BlueSky or at the blog Views From the Edge.