Americans Threaten Boycott Over Team USA Members’ Comments
There’s a growing call among Americans to boycott the Winter Olympics, sparked by some Team USA members sharing their complicated feelings about representing the nation.
Freestyle skier Hunter Hess made headlines on Friday when he told reporters that donning the American flag didn’t align with all the “stuff” happening in the U.S. right now.
“Wearing the flag evokes mixed emotions,” Hess explained during a press event ahead of the tournament.
“It’s a bit difficult. There’s a lot I don’t agree with, and I’m guessing many feel the same way,” he continued. “Just because I wear the flag doesn’t mean I’m on board with everything happening in the country.”
His comments ignited widespread backlash online, where critics accused him and his fellow Olympians of disrespecting the very nations they’re supposed to represent, with some vowing to boycott the upcoming Games.
“His comments show that he prioritizes his personal feelings over his country in this sport,” one user on X vented. “It’s an insult to Team USA and the Olympic spirit. He should be cut from the team.”
Another user pointed out that Hess’s main role is to embody the United States, saying, “I’m sure there are other athletes who would gladly take his place, united in their pride.”
Some people went as far as saying they would stop watching the Olympics altogether. One critic declared, “You know what? I’m turning it off right now. It feels pointless.”
“I wasn’t planning to watch anyway, and now it’s a definite no!” another added.
A few commenters stressed that there shouldn’t be selective patriotism in representing the U.S. One wrote, “When wearing the Stars and Stripes, you represent everyone, not just the parts of the country you like. If you have ‘mixed emotions,’ maybe you should stay home.”
Hess is 27 and has been a part of the national freestyle skiing team since 2017. He competes in the halfpipe and has been successful in various competitions.
Chris Lillis, a fellow freestyle skier and gold medalist from the 2022 Olympics, resonated with Hess’s sentiments. He connected his frustrations to immigration policies and societal protests.
“I’m disheartened by what’s happening in America,” Lillis commented. “As a nation, we should focus on treating everyone with love and respect, not just our citizens.” He added, “I hope people see the athletes and recognize that we’re striving to portray a better America.”
However, the critics remained unimpressed. One user dismissed Lillis’s remarks as “in very bad taste” and argued that athletes should express their opinions when they’re not “on a podium representing us.” There were also calls to remove any athletes who criticize the nation from the team.
“All these athletes should be pulled from the team,” one critic stated. “I wouldn’t support the Olympics if it means disavowing my country.”
A user named Kevin Miller echoed this sentiment, saying, “Join me in the boycott.”
This backlash arrives amidst growing scrutiny of the Milan-Cortina Games, with ongoing protests and political tensions spilling into Olympic venues and broadcasts.
