US Athletes Speak Out Against Trump at Winter Olympics

At the Italian Games this year, much of the criticism focuses on the Trump administration’s strong-handed approach to immigration, specifically its actions by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Anger was heightened by two protesters killed by federal officers in a Minneapolis shooting last month, an act that ignited nationwide outrage. British freestyle skier Gus Kenworthy — who became the United States Olympic silver medalist in 2014 and then changed scenery to ski for Britain — was one of the most outspoken of the critics. Kenworthy, in an inflammatory Instagram post, depicted an image of himself urinating in the snow next to the caption “Fxxx ICE.” He said there were overwhelming expressions of support, but he, too, disclosed that the post had prompted death threats. 

Trump did not respond to the gesture. But the president responded when the US freestyle skier Hunter Hess felt embarrassed to showcase the United States. “I mean, just because I’m wearing the flag doesn’t mean I’m representing everything that is happening in the US,” Hess said, acknowledging that competing while wearing the flag was deeply stirring for him and brought him mixed feelings. Trump reacted with fury on his Truth Social platform, describing Hess as “a real loser,” and telling him he was not representing his country at the Olympics.

Hess would also find support from snowboard star Chloe Kim, who called for compassion and unity in the wake of the scandal. “During moments like this, it’s hugely important to be there for each other,” Kim said, noting that she was still proud to represent the United States. Some athletes went a more measured route. 

Alpine skiing pioneer Mikaela Shiffrin, the world’s most successful skier in history at the World Cup, said she had “some thoughts” about representing the US as it grapples with a deeply divided political landscape. The 30-year-old, who hopes to add to her two Olympic gold medals, drew on a quote from Nelson Mandela, which actress Charlize Theron said at the opening ceremony. “Peace is not just the absence of conflict,” the quote was to read, “but the creation of an environment where all can flourish regardless of race, colour, creed, religion, gender, class or other differences.” Shiffrin said the message struck a deep chord with her, which she hoped to reflect at the Games in an inclusive, diverse and kind spirit. The US Winter Olympian Amber Glenn, who assisted the nation in ensuring Olympic team gold, called the present political environment fraught with stress for millions of her community. Glenn, who identifies as pansexual and bisexual, defended athletes who had taken a stand on political issues. “People will tell you athletes want to just keep their jobs,” said she, “but politics are very much a part of us, as every one of us.” The International Olympic Committee wanted to make it no bigger deal. Mark Adams, an IOC spokesperson, declined to comment on Trump’s comments, fearing further debate would not lead to a constructive discussion.

Some American audiences at figure skating events in Milan opted to make their own comment. A US flag stretched for television cameras read “Go Team USA” on one side and “Apologies to the world for our bad behaviour” on the other. We will fix ourselves.