US athletes at the Winter Olympics are openly expressing mixed feelings about representing the country amid heightened political tensions, drawing fierce criticism from figures like Donald Trump, who called skier Hunter Hess a 'loser.' This has exposed a widening gap between athletes' nuanced views on patriotism and the political establishment's expectations, leading to online abuse and a broader debate over national identity and conscience on the global stage.
At the Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina, some US athletes are more openly discussing their complicated mix of pride and discomfort in representing the country, a significant shift since Donald Trump's return to the White House. This candidness has triggered fierce reactions from political figures, online influencers, and Trump himself, exposing a widening gap in how athletes view their Olympic role versus how parts of the political establishment believe they should use it. Trump intensified the dispute by singling out freestyle skier Hunter Hess, calling him 'a real loser' on Truth Social for expressing 'mixed emotions' about competing in the current political climate, misrepresenting the skier's nuanced distinction between representing his nation and endorsing every policy. Other athletes like Chris Lillis, Amber Glenn, Chloe Kim, Jessie Diggins, and Mikaela Shiffrin have also voiced perspectives, emphasizing representing core American values such as inclusion and opportunity, rather than specific governmental policies. Figure skater Amber Glenn and former US Olympian Gus Kenworthy (now competing for Team GB) have received a 'scary amount' of online hate, threats, and even death threats for their comments, prompting the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) to monitor abusive activity. The backlash extends beyond Trump to conservative commentators like Richard Grenell, Jake Paul, Brett Favre, and Rob Schneider, who have criticized athletes for speaking out. This political friction is set against the backdrop of the Trump administration's aggressive international posture and the visible presence of Vice-president JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the Games, with Vance notably booed during the opening ceremony. Additionally, protests in Italy linked to US immigration enforcement personnel supporting Olympic security operations have further intertwined domestic and global political debates. This dynamic highlights a defining tension of modern Olympic sport: athletes balancing national identity with individual political and moral beliefs, while navigating unprecedented online scrutiny and safety concerns.
