Team USA Olympians Criticized for 'Mixed Emotions' About Representing America

NY Post readers debate athletes' comments on patriotism and dissent

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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NY Post readers have written letters criticizing Team USA Olympians who expressed "mixed emotions" about representing America at the Olympics. Some readers argue the athletes should be grateful and patriotic, while others defend the athletes' right to free speech and dissent.

Why it matters

This debate reflects ongoing tensions in the US around patriotism, free speech, and the role of athletes as representatives of the country. It highlights differing views on whether Olympians should set aside political disagreements when competing for the US.

The details

Several readers, including Stuart Ellison, Dan Lehman, and Robert DiNardo, argued the Olympians should be more grateful and patriotic in representing the US. They said the athletes' comments were unacceptable and they should be sent home. Other readers, like Kevin Locke, defended the athletes' right to free speech and dissent, saying criticism of the government is not the same as hating the country.

  • The letters were published on February 10, 2026

The players

Hunter Hess

A Team USA Olympian who expressed "mixed emotions" about representing America.

Chris Lillis

A Team USA Olympian who was criticized for "trashing America" while competing in the Olympics.

Amber Glenn

A Team USA Olympian who was called an "embarrassment" for her comments about representing the US.

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What they’re saying

“People watch sports to get away from politics, and representing one's country in an event as prestigious as the Olympics demands unity.”

— Stuart Ellison (New York Post)

“Saying athletes should be replaced by someone more patriotic if they don't meet the right's ideological standards is grotesque.”

— Kevin Locke (New York Post)

“These brainless twits should be sent home on the next flight out of Italy. Never have so few embarrassed so many.”

— Leon Strone (New York Post)

The takeaway

This debate highlights the ongoing tensions in the US around patriotism, free speech, and the role of athletes as representatives of the country. While some readers believe Olympians should set aside political disagreements and show unwavering patriotism, others defend the athletes' right to express dissent and criticism of the government.