Team USA alpine skier Mikaela Shiffrin told reporters at a press conference on Saturday (via USA Today) that despite the current political turmoil in the United States, she wants to increase “inclusivity…diversity and kindness” at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
When asked about representing the United States in a time of deep social and political division, she said, “I think there’s a lot of hardship, a lot of heartbreak, a lot of violence around the world. It can be hard to reconcile that when you’re competing for medals in an Olympic sport. I actually have some thoughts. I can read what I’ve written.”
Shiffrin then quoted Nelson Mandela. She said she was inspired by South African civil rights leader Charlize Theron’s words at the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics. “Peace is not just the absence of conflict. It is about creating an environment in which all of us can thrive, regardless of race, color, creed, religion, gender, class, caste, or other markers of social difference.”
“And for me, as it relates to the Olympics, I really want to represent and express my own values: the values of inclusivity, the values of diversity and kindness and sharing, tenacity, the work ethic, like I said before, showing up to the team every day, and the values that we bring to the mountains and on the hills every day. I want to represent the people who have supported me all this time, and I’m really grateful to be here.My biggest value is that it’s a beautiful show of cooperation and competition. ”
Team USA’s freestyle skiers also had mixed feelings about representing the United States. Chris Lillis told reporters he feels “heartbroken” about the chaos ICE has caused in Minnesota, but hopes American athletes can represent a more unified vision of America.
“I think as a country we need to focus on respecting everyone’s rights and treating everyone, not just our citizens, with love and respect,” Lillis said. “I hope people look at the athletes competing in the Olympics and understand that that’s the America we’re trying to represent.”
Fellow Team USA freestyle skier Hunter Hess said in a press conference that representing the United States evokes “mixed emotions” and that if he wins a medal, it would be more for “my family and the people who have supported me this far” than for his home country.
“I think it’s a little difficult,” Hess said. “Obviously, there’s a lot of things going on that I’m not a big fan of, and I don’t think a lot of people are either. If it’s consistent with my moral values, then I feel like I’m representing them. Just because I wear the flag doesn’t mean I represent everything that’s going on in America.”
