Olympic Athletes Face Backlash Over Comments on Representing U.S.
– Several American freestyle skiers and a figure skater are facing significant criticism after expressing reservations and “mixed emotions” about representing the United States at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina, Italy. The athletes’ statements, made amid ongoing immigration enforcement operations by the Trump administration, have ignited a firestorm of debate and calls for boycotts.
The controversy began when freestyle skier Hunter Hess told reporters he felt conflicted about wearing the American flag, stating, “It brings up mixed emotions to represent the U.S. Right now.” Hess elaborated, saying, “It’s a little hard, there’s obviously a lot going on that I’m not the biggest fan of and I think a lot of people aren’t. Just because I’m wearing the flag doesn’t mean I represent everything that’s going on in the US.”
Fellow freestyle skier Chris Lillis echoed similar sentiments, expressing “heartbreak” over the situation in the United States. “I love the USA. I would never want to represent a different country in the Olympics,” Lillis said. “With a lot of times, athletes are hesitant to talk about political views and how we feel about things. I feel heartbroken about what’s happening in the United States. I’m pretty sure you’re referencing ICE and some of the protests and things like that.” Lillis added that the country needs to “focus on respecting everybody’s rights and making sure that we’re treating our citizens as well as anybody, with love and respect.”
The athletes’ comments prompted a swift and often harsh reaction online. Some social media users have called for a boycott of the Olympics, while others have questioned the athletes’ patriotism. The situation escalated when former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani weighed in, stating on social media that Hess and Lillis have “every right to voice their hatred of America,” but “do not have the right to represent Team USA.”
Adding to the complexity, Team USA figure skater Amber Glenn had previously expressed concern about the Trump administration’s policies, stating, “Politics affects us all. It’s something I will not just be quiet about.” Glenn’s earlier comments laid some groundwork for the more recent expressions of unease from the freestyle ski team.
Hess, a veteran of the U.S. Freestyle circuit hailing from Bend, Oregon, has been a member of the national team since 2017 and boasts multiple World Cup and X Games podium finishes. Lillis is a two-time Olympian and Olympic gold medalist.
The athletes’ statements come as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) continues to carry out operations during President Trump’s second term. The timing of the comments, just ahead of the opening ceremony of the 2026 Winter Olympics, has amplified the controversy and drawn increased media attention. President Trump himself reportedly took notice of Hess’s comments, according to a report by Politifact.
While Lillis emphasized his continued love for the United States and his unwillingness to compete for another country, the athletes’ willingness to publicly voice their concerns about the political climate has sparked a national conversation about the intersection of sports and social responsibility. The situation raises questions about the expectations placed on athletes to represent not only their country’s athletic prowess but also its values and ideals.
It remains to be seen how this controversy will impact the athletes’ performance at the Olympics or whether it will lead to further calls for boycotts or protests. The situation is developing, and further statements from Team USA or the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee are anticipated.
