I don't think China Daily's characterization (which many Chinese media also seem to make) is quite accurate, as more information about Eileen Gu's journey to Beijing Olympic have started to emerge. In bits and pieces though.
Put simply, Eileen's mother - her father's role does not appear significant if at all - did invest a lot of resources and efforts into her growth, but the Chinese side had discovered, targeted and groomed her since she was just a little teen. Remember Eileen announced her decision to represent China when she was fifteen, which means the grooming had gone on for a few years before that. In fact, there were deliberate and well planned video filming by Chinese organizations and companies on her life even during those years. Eileen's connection with and her Chineseness are a lot deeper and longer than most media have reported so far.
When Gu said she’s 100% Chinese when she’s in China and 100% American when’s she’s in America, she’s 100% correct. She got the best of both countries. And her case is somewhat unique among Asian Americans.
She grew up in the US but spent every summer in China. Her mom’s side of the family is likely well off and she had reasons to go back to China every year. On the contrary if your life is significantly better in America, then you are less likely to have significant attachments to your home country, let along go back every year.
The biggest mentor in her entire life has been her mother; her parents likely divorced when she was very young. It’s even possible that her parents were never even married. Up to this point, her dad has not made a single appearance. Plenty Asian parents are tiger moms, not many raises their kid like Gu’s mom.
At this same time she’s did most of her training in the US. Will be going to Stanford, and likely marry an American. Her future mentors will likely be Americans as well. What she studies and career she’s chooses outside of skiing will also affect which country she gravitate towards when skiing is over.
So yea, she’s a product of both worlds. But As China becomes a wealthy developed country, Gu is an example of how future Chinese Americans will actually want to rebuild their ties with China
