Rep. Andy Ogles (R-TN) has introduced legislation that would impose a tax on income earned by American athletes who compete in international sporting events on behalf of foreign governments.
The proposal, titled the “Officially Limiting Yearly Money Procured by Individuals Concerning Sportsmanship Act,” or OLYMPICS Act, would apply to athletes who represent what the law defines as “foreign entities of concern.” Those countries include China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea.
Although the legislation would not apply retroactively, Ogles cited freestyle skier Eileen Gu as the inspiration for the proposal, OutKick reported. Gu, an American-born athlete, won a gold medal and two silver medals while competing for China at the recent Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy. Her decision to represent China drew criticism in the United States. She also represented the communist government at the 2022 Beijing Games. Gu was raised in the United States by her mother, who immigrated from 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 the outlet.
He added that the bill would impose an excise tax on athletes who compete internationally for “a foreign country of concern.”
“Being American is a privilege, and anyone who openly mocks that privilege on the world stage must be punished,” the congressman continued.
China awards prize money to Olympic medalists, but it’s unclear how much they earn, according to CNBC.
Vice President JD Vance said last week on Fox News that “someone who grew up in the United States of America, who benefited from our education system, from the freedoms and liberties that makes this country a great place, I would hope they want to compete with the United States of America.”
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