Rep. Andy Ogles (R-TN) is leading a bill penalizing U.S.-born athletes who represent other countries in international sporting events.
The bill, called “Officially Limiting Yearly Money Procured by Individuals Concerning Sportsmanship Act,” or the “OLYMPICS ACT,” takes aim at U.S.-born Olympian Eileen Gu, who represented China in the 2026 Winter Olympics. Gu was born, raised, and trained in the United States. She also attends school in the U.S., yet competed for China.
“Any American who works with a foreign adversary has not only betrayed our country, but must be stripped of all benefits from doing so. That is why I am ensuring that the IRS takes every dollar earned by athletes like Eileen Gu,” Ogles told Outkick.
The legislation seeks to “amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to impose a tax on income earned from competing in global athletic events on behalf of foreign entities of concern.” It imposes “on each covered individual for any taxable year a tax equal to 100 percent of the amounts received by such individual during such taxable year” from competing in any “global athletic event on behalf of any foreign entity of concern” and “any sponsorships received as a result of, or inducement for, so competing.”
Meanwhile, U.S. Olympian Alysa Liu, whose father fled from China, made history by securing the first U.S. Olympic gold in women’s single figure skating since 2002. Comparisons have been drawn between Gu and Liu, as one proudly represents China and has amassed a sweeping portfolio and brand, while the other has sparked organic enthusiasm among Americans celebrating their country.
