Team USA Skier Expresses Mixed Emotions Representing Country at 2026 Olympics

Hunter Hess speaks out about the tension between his love for his sport and his disapproval of specific domestic policies in the US.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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As the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina gets underway, Team USA freestyle skier Hunter Hess is making headlines for more than just his skills in the halfpipe. The 27-year-old athlete recently opened up about the internal conflict he feels while representing the United States on the world stage, citing a deep sadness over the current social and political climate back home.

Why it matters

Hess' comments highlight the complex relationship some athletes have with representing their country, especially when they disagree with certain government actions or policies. His willingness to speak out adds to the ongoing discussion around the role of politics in sports and the responsibility of athletes as public figures.

The details

Hess expressed heartbreak over recent ICE raids and civil protests in the US, saying "I think as a country we need to focus on respecting everybody's rights and making sure we're treating our citizens as well as anybody with love and respect." While proud to be an Olympian, Hess feels the weight of the flag is "a little hard" this year, as he doesn't feel he represents everything happening in the US. He wants to compete for his friends, family and supporters, rather than as a blanket endorsement of current US policies.

  • The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina are currently underway.

The players

Hunter Hess

A 27-year-old freestyle skier representing Team USA at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

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What they’re saying

“I feel heartbroken about what's happened in the United States when, you know, and pretty sure you're referencing ICE and some of the protests and things like that. Uh, I think as a country we need to focus on respecting everybody's rights and making sure we're treating our citizens as well as anybody with love and respect. And uh, I hope people look at athletes competing in the Olympics, they realize that is the America we're trying to represent.”

— Hunter Hess, Team USA Skier (balleralert.com)

“Just because I wear the flag doesn't mean I represent everything that's going on in the US.”

— Hunter Hess, Team USA Skier (Twitter)

The takeaway

Hess' comments reflect the growing tension some athletes feel between representing their country and disagreeing with its policies. His willingness to speak out adds nuance to the discussion around the role of politics in sports and the responsibility of athletes as public figures.