NEW YORK (Diya TV) — Claire Lai has issued a public appeal to Olympic freestyle skier Eileen Gu, urging the American-born athlete to help secure the release of her father, pro-democracy publisher Jimmy Lai, from a Hong Kong prison. In an open letter addressed to Gu, Lai praised the skier’s achievements at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. She then asked Gu to use her influence within China to press for what she called a humanitarian gesture. The appeal places global sports, politics, and human rights at the center of a growing international debate over Hong Kong’s crackdown on dissent.

Claire Lai congratulated Gu on her medal-winning performance and her role as a leading member of China’s Winter Olympics team. She noted that Gu has often spoken about the American values that shaped her upbringing and education.

Gu, who was born and raised in the United States, has described herself as a product of both East and West. She has publicly praised freedom of expression and the power of using one’s platform for good. Lai framed her appeal around those same ideals. She wrote that she and her father share a belief in freedom, compassion, and individual rights. She asked Gu to consider raising Jimmy Lai’s case with Chinese officials.

“I appeal to your stated desire to be a force for good,” she wrote. “Please consider raising my father’s case.”

Jimmy Lai is a Hong Kong media tycoon and outspoken pro-democracy advocate. He founded the now-shuttered newspaper Apple Daily, which became known for its criticism of Beijing’s policies. Authorities arrested Lai in 2020 under Hong Kong’s national security law. Courts later convicted him on multiple charges linked to his activism and media work. On Feb. 9, at age 78, he received a 20-year prison sentence.

Supporters say Jimmy Lai championed freedom of speech and press freedom in Hong Kong. They argue that he stood up for democratic values despite growing political pressure from Beijing. Critics of the Hong Kong government have called his case a symbol of shrinking civil liberties in the city. Chinese officials, however, maintain that the national security law restores stability and targets acts that threaten national security.

Claire Lai said her father has spent more than five years in solitary confinement. She said his health had deteriorated during that time. He has diabetes and a heart condition, she wrote, and his remaining time is limited.

Her letter focused on a humanitarian appeal rather than a political argument. She asked for compassion for an elderly man facing serious health challenges. Lai described her father as someone who believed that the freedoms enjoyed in Western societies should apply universally. She said he risked his business, freedom, and ultimately his life to defend those principles.

She urged Gu to act as a bridge between cultures. As a celebrated athlete who competes for China but grew up in the United States, Gu occupies a unique position. Lai suggested that Gu could quietly advocate for leniency.

Eileen Gu rose to global fame after winning medals for China in international competitions, including the Winter Olympics. Her decision to represent China sparked debate in the United States and abroad. Gu has often spoken about her dual identity. She has credited her American upbringing for shaping her values while expressing pride in representing China.

Claire Lai pointed to that dual background as a reason Gu could make a difference. She described Gu as someone deeply respected in Chinese society and trusted by fans around the world. Whether Gu will respond remains unclear. She has not publicly commented on the letter.

Jimmy Lai’s imprisonment has drawn criticism from human rights groups and Western governments. They say Hong Kong’s national security law has curtailed political freedoms promised under the “one country, two systems” framework.