California Republicans are blasting San Francisco–bornOlympic star Eileen Guafter 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 aftersharing video on Xshowing Gu being greeted by massive crowds in San Francisco followingher 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 longdrawn scrutiny from criticswho question her decision to represent Beijing on the world stage despite her American upbringing.
The controversy resurfaced after Guappeared as a grand marshalduring San Francisco’s annual Lunar New Year parade, one of the largestLunar New Year celebrationsoutside 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.”
Source: California Post – Breaking California News, Photos & Videos
