US Olympic athletes denounce “times of injustice” under Trump

‘Anti-Trumpism’ is growing as neocolonialist, denialist and anti-immigration policies advance in the United States. The trigger came after the death of a woman in Minneapolis during an operation by ICE, the immigration police. Several demonstrations took over the country at the end of January and beginning of February. Dissatisfaction and resistance to the agenda adopted by President Donald Trump even reached sport.

Olympic athletes from the USA, participating in the Milan-Cortina Winter Games, in Italy, have left aside the political neutrality recommended by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

So far, the criticism that has angered Trump the most has been that of skier Hunter Hess. He, who competes in the freestyle skiing halfpipe starting February 19, said in a press conference that it was difficult to understand what was happening in the US, in reference to the ICE crackdown. For him, representing the country brought contradictory feelings: “Just because I’m wearing the flag doesn’t mean I represent everything that’s happening in the USA.”

The speech was widely attacked by members of the Republican party and Trump supporters, which made Hess take to social media to say that he is excited to represent the USA, that he loves the country, but that “there is always room for improvement”.

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Hess’s firm stance angered the American president. On Sunday (8), he used the platform Truth Social to call the skier a “real loser” and point out that he shouldn’t represent the country: “it’s a shame he’s on the team,” said Trump.

The president’s untimely reaction was countered by athletes from the US delegation at the Winter Games, on Monday (9). Snowboarder Bea Kim highlighted that her family is immigrants and that diversity is important, being one of the hallmarks of the country, which she is proud to represent.

In the same vein, Maddie Mastro, another snowboarder, said that being at the Games for the USA is a source of pride, but also of sadness with what has been happening: “We come together in times of injustice.”

Chloe Kim, two-time Olympic champion in snowboarding, daughter of South Korean parents, reaffirmed her gratitude for the opportunities that the USA gave her family, including representing the flag. However, she considered that it is necessary to guarantee the right to free expression: “I think we have the right to express our opinions about what is happening. And I think we need to act with love and compassion. I would like to see more of that”, highlighted Chloe Kim.

‘Fuck ICE’

In addition to the snowboard delegation, other criticisms, directly or indirectly citing the US government, had already been made. Mikaela Shiffrin, two-time Olympic champion and one of the greatest representatives of alpine skiing of all time, stated that representing the country at this current moment is a reason for reflection. In a press conference, she also cited Nelson Mandela to highlight the importance of peace and diversity and concluded by saying that she represents her own values, which include inclusion and kindness.

Gus Kenworthy, silver medal skier in Sochi 2014, was even more controversial against the anti-immigration policy. Born in England, he represented the USA at two Olympics but now competes for the UK.

The freestyle skiing halfpipe athlete published a photo with the phrase “Fuck ICE” written in the snow. In the text that accompanies the photo, he publishes a letter for people to send to their county senator in the USA: “Innocent people have been murdered and enough is enough. We cannot stand by while ICE continues to operate with unfettered power in our communities.”

To the British newspaper The TelegraphKenworthy commented that he received numerous insults and death threats.