Team USA skiers spark Olympic boycott calls after saying they have ‘mixed emotions’ about representing America

Olympic athletes from Team USA are sparking outrage after expressing "mixed emotions" about representing their country. Freestyle skier Hunter Hess was first to ignite the controversy when he stated that wearing the American flag doesn't mean he agrees with everything happening in the US.

Hess's comments sparked a heated debate, with many calling for him and other outspoken athletes to be stripped of their Team USA roles. Critics argue that athletes have a duty to represent their country, even if they disagree with certain policies or practices.

The backlash has been swift and severe, with some fans refusing to watch the Olympics anymore. "You know what? I'm going to go on ahead and turn it off right now," one critic tweeted, tagging the Olympics' official account.

Others have taken a more extreme stance, calling for athletes who criticize their country to be sent home. "All these athletes should be pulled from the team," another wrote. "You don't go to the Olympics and trash your country."

The controversy has also raised questions about selective patriotism and the responsibility that comes with representing a nation on the world stage. Fellow freestyle skier Chris Lillis, who won gold in 2022, weighed in on the debate, expressing frustration over immigration enforcement and protests back home.

Hess's comments have sparked a wider conversation about the role of athletes in representing their country, and whether they should be free to express their personal opinions or adhere to a strict script. The debate is sure to continue as the Milan-Cortina Games draw near, with many watching anxiously to see how Team USA will handle the pressure.

I'm so against what these athletes are saying ... like, I get where they're coming from and all, but can't we just agree on everything? On the other hand, I totally disagree with that too . Like, shouldn't they be able to speak their minds without being crucified for it? And at the same time, I don't think they should have to wear the American flag and pretend like everything is sunshine and rainbows... that just seems so fake .

I mean, what's the point of even having a national anthem if we're not supposed to criticize our country? It's all so contradictory in my head . I wish there was some middle ground or something . But on the other hand, can't athletes just be expected to put their country first and stop whining about it? Ugh, I'm just so confused right now .

I think this whole thing is kinda blown outta proportion... athletes are people too, and they gotta have their own opinions & feelings about what's happening in their country . I mean, just 'cause you wear a flag doesn't mean you gotta agree with everything the government does, right? It's like when your friend says something you don't agree with at a party – you can still hang out and be friends, but have a differing opinion.

And let's be real, athletes are already under so much pressure to perform & do their job – they shouldn't have to worry about being 'patriotic' all the time . It's like, if you're gonna judge them for expressing themselves, then what about when regular people say things that might be seen as 'un-American'? The whole thing just feels kinda... weird.

I think we need to start having a bigger conversation about patriotism & free speech – not just for athletes, but for everyone who's ever had an opinion . And maybe instead of demonizing people who don't agree with the status quo, we should be trying to understand where they're coming from & listen to what they have to say .

I'm shocked by all this fuss . I mean, come on, it's just a flag they're wearing... . These athletes are speaking out for what they believe in and that's something we should be celebrating , not demonizing them. I understand where Team USA fans might be coming from, but shouldn't our athletes have the freedom to express their opinions, even if it means disagreeing with certain policies? It's like they're saying "represent your country" but what about representing yourself? And can we really expect them to agree on everything? I don't think so. This whole debate is making me nervous about the upcoming Games... will Team USA be able to handle the pressure?

Ugh, I'm so over this Olympics drama . Can't these athletes just be real for once? They're expected to put on a show and represent their country like it's all sunshine and rainbows, but what about when they actually disagree with something? It's like they're forced to pretend to be patriotic robots or something .

And can we please talk about how ridiculous the backlash is? Fans are literally boycotting the Olympics over this? Like, come on guys, it's just a sport. And if these athletes want to speak out against something, shouldn't we be listening and having a real conversation instead of attacking them?

It's not about "trashing their country" or whatever the haters are saying. It's about having nuanced opinions and being able to express them without fear of reprisal. I mean, if Hunter Hess is getting heat for speaking out against immigration enforcement, what about all the other social issues that need to be addressed?

OMG u guys I'm so confused about this whole thing like what even is patriotism anymore?! these athletes are just speaking their minds and now they're getting roasted for it but at the same time, can't we expect more from them? especially when it comes to issues that affect a lot of people's lives like immigration reform and police brutality I think it's really messed up that fans are refusing to watch the Olympics because of this Chris Lillis said some truth, and now he's getting hate for it too what even is the point of having athletes if they're just gonna parrot a script and pretend like everything is cool? the whole thing feels like a big show and I'm not buying it

I'm not surprised by this whole ordeal . I mean, athletes are human beings too, you know? They have opinions and feelings just like everyone else. And honestly, I think it's kind of refreshing that they're not just going to pretend everything is perfect in the US when it's not.

The whole idea that they should be expected to represent their country without question is just outdated . Newsflash: nobody likes being told what to do or say all the time. It's like, can't we have a conversation about this instead of demonizing people for speaking out?

And yeah, I get why some fans might be upset, but come on, it's just sports . It's not worth losing your love for the Olympics over something that doesn't even affect you directly. And as for Chris Lillis talking about immigration enforcement and protests... yeah, that's a totally valid perspective to share.

I'm all for having open and honest discussions about the role of athletes in representing their country, but let's not forget that they're also individuals with their own experiences and opinions . Maybe instead of trying to silence them or pull them from the team, we can learn to listen to each other and try to understand where everyone is coming from .