**Olympic Athletes or Politicians? A Peek Behind the Curtain of the Winter Games**
In a world where sports have long been considered a refuge from the bombardment of political discourse, it seems that even the Olympics are not safe from the specter of political correctness. Athletes who once inspired dreams of gold are now sharing their personal grievances, making headlines for all the wrong reasons. The Winter Olympics in Milan should be a celebration of athleticism, yet it is overshadowed by a warring parade of opinions that leave many scratching their heads and asking, “What happened to just playing the game?”
Take Hunter Hess, for instance, a U.S. Olympic skier who recently expressed a “mixed bag” of feelings about representing the country. Amid a backdrop of flags and national pride, he found it hard to celebrate his achievements because of what he labeled as issues back home. Why would anyone want to take the stage for their country if they aren’t proud to be representing it? One might think that just donning the red, white, and blue would spark a sense of joy, but it seems that Hess thinks otherwise. His sentiment of being “morally superior” by bashing the country that made his success possible leaves many questioning his commitment to the United States, prompting groans of disbelief from loyal fans of American sports.
But Hess wasn’t alone in his grumbling. Figure skater Amber Glenn chimed in with her own reflections, expressing her frustrations with the current administration while standing atop the Olympic stage. Her comments felt more like a political manifesto than an athlete’s pep talk. While some may appreciate her desire to advocate for the community, the question remains: do these athletes realize they have a platform to inspire rather than berate the very nation that paved their pathways to glory? When athletes take to the ice or snow, do we really want to hear about the heartbreak of the community or would we prefer to see breathtaking performances? One can only chuckle at the irony of complaining about America while vying for Olympic glory in the land of opportunity.
Even freestyle skier Chris Lillis joined the chorus of Olympic athletes expressing dissatisfaction with their homeland, sharing feelings of heartbreak over the state of the nation. One can’t help but wonder if he forgot that he gets to compete at this elite level because of the liberties and opportunities afforded to him as a U.S. citizen. Rather than revel in his achievements, he opts for a moment of self-pity. While athletes are encouraged to be ambassadors of their sports, perhaps the Olympic team could benefit from individuals who are eager to embody the pride and strength of their country rather than wallow in grievances.
Meanwhile, star skier Michaela Shiffrin took the opportunity for mental gymnastics, crafting a sophisticated take on the “complex realities of the world,” but ultimately it felt less like a reflection of sportsmanship and more like an exhibit on abstract reasoning. In a sport that celebrates strength and determination, her focus seemed misplaced when she discussed inclusivity and kindness rather than the thrills of competition. A little bit of good ol’ fashioned grit and tenacity might have served her better than a lecture on socio-political constructs.
One can’t help but recall the refreshing words of Tamara Stock from the Tokyo Olympics. Her celebration of being proud to don the stars and stripes reminded many of the original spirit of the Olympics: unity, pride, and joy in one’s country. If athletes can rally around what makes their nation great, then perhaps it’s high time they remember the honor it brings to represent the USA. The Olympic stage is a chance to show the world the best of American values, and it feels like some athletes are missing the mark.
While sports can be a platform for addressing larger societal issues, there is a time and place for everything—even political opinions. The Winter Olympics should be a celebration of talent, teamwork, and the beauty of athletic competition. Athletes have a wonderful opportunity to inspire millions, so why not focus on the joy of the sport instead of national grievances? After all, there are plenty of opportunities to address the world’s problems outside of the ice rink and the ski slopes. It would be refreshing to see athletes channel their energies into their sport and leave the politics at the door.
