U.S. Olympic Athletes Speak Out About Political Divisions at Home

Skiers Mikaela Shiffrin and Hunter Hess among those voicing concerns about representing the U.S. during turbulent times

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Several American athletes competing at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, including skiers Mikaela Shiffrin and Hunter Hess, have spoken out about the political divisions and issues in the United States, expressing mixed emotions about representing the country on the world stage. The athletes have voiced support for values like inclusivity, diversity, and kindness, which they feel are under attack back home. Their comments have drawn both praise and criticism, with President Trump calling one athlete a "real Loser" for saying he doesn't represent everything happening in the U.S.

Why it matters

The willingness of U.S. Olympians to speak out on political issues marks a departure from the traditional reluctance of American athletes to discuss such topics on the world stage. Their comments reflect the deep divisions and conflicts within the U.S. that are being felt even by those representing the country internationally.

The details

Shiffrin read a quote from Nelson Mandela about the creation of an environment where all can flourish, saying it relates to the Olympics and her desire to represent values of inclusivity and diversity. Freestyle skier Hunter Hess said it's "a little hard" to represent the U.S. right now due to issues like ongoing federal immigration raids. Figure skater Amber Glenn, an LGBTQ rights advocate, received threats online after speaking about how politics affects athletes. The U.S. Olympic committee's guidelines allow for athletes to express themselves, as long as they don't directly target individuals or groups.

  • The Milan-Cortina Winter Games are currently underway, with the opening ceremony taking place on February 6, 2026.
  • Shiffrin, Hess, and other U.S. athletes have been speaking out about the political situation in the U.S. during the Olympics.

The players

Mikaela Shiffrin

An American alpine skier who has won two Olympic gold medals and is the most successful female slalom skier in World Cup history.

Hunter Hess

An American freestyle skier competing at the Milan-Cortina Olympics.

Amber Glenn

An American figure skater who is an outspoken proponent of LGBTQ rights.

Jessie Diggins

An American cross-country skier who wrote on Instagram about racing for an American people who stand for love, acceptance, compassion, honesty, and respect.

Chris Lillis

An American freestyle skier who expressed feeling heartbroken about what's happened in the United States and a desire to represent an America focused on respecting everybody's rights.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Peace is not just the absence of conflict. Peace is the creation of an environment where all can flourish regardless of race, color, creed, religion, gender, class, caste or any other social markers of difference.”

— Mikaela Shiffrin, American alpine skier

“It brings up mixed emotions to represent the U.S. right now. It's a little hard. There's obviously a lot going on that I'm not the biggest fan of.”

— Hunter Hess, American freestyle skier

“A lot of people say 'you're just an athlete. Stick to your job, shut up about politics.' But politics affect us all.”

— Amber Glenn, American figure skater

“I'm racing for an American people who stand for love, for acceptance, for compassion, honesty and respect for others. I do not stand for hate or violence or discrimination.”

— Jessie Diggins, American cross-country skier (Instagram)

“I feel heartbroken about what's happened in the United States. As a country we need to focus on respecting everybody's rights and making sure that we're treating our citizens, as well as anybody, with love and respect.”

— Chris Lillis, American freestyle skier

What’s next

The U.S. Olympic committee has stated it will continue to support the athletes' right to advocate for racial and social justice, as long as their comments do not directly target individuals or groups.

The takeaway

The willingness of U.S. Olympians to speak out on political issues during the Milan-Cortina Games reflects the deep divisions within the country, with athletes voicing concerns about representing a nation that may no longer align with their personal values of inclusivity, diversity, and respect for all. This marks a shift from the traditional reluctance of American athletes to discuss such topics on the world stage.