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

The Winter Olympics have barely begun, but Team USA is already facing backlash—and it’s not about their performances on the slopes or ice, but about their bitter disdain for the country they’re supposed to represent. Hunter Hess, a Team USA skier, ignited an outrageous firestorm this week when he told reporters that he felt “mixed emotions” about representing the United States. Hess, one of the leading names in freestyle skiing, said that wearing the Stars and Stripes did not mean he supported everything going on in the U.S.

His comments have caused an outcry across the nation, and many Americans are now calling for a boycott of the 2026 Winter Olympics. Fans, commentators, and even Olympic legends are fuming as Hess, along with other athletes, made it clear that they don’t consider themselves loyal to the country that has given them the opportunity to compete on the world’s stage.

And just when you thought things couldn’t get worse, Mike Eruzione, the legendary captain of the 1980 “Miracle on Ice” U.S. hockey team, stepped in with a blunt message for these ungrateful athletes. Eruzione didn’t mince words, telling Hess and others that if they didn’t want to represent America, they could step aside and let real patriots take their place.

This shocking controversy has raised serious questions about the direction the Olympics are headed, and why these athletes—who are lucky enough to wear the USA jersey—feel the need to attack the very country that gave them the platform to compete at the highest level.

1. Hunter Hess’s “Mixed Emotions” About Representing America

It all started with a casual remark by Hunter Hess, a snowboarder and veteran of the U.S. freestyle circuit. During a press conference, Hess shocked reporters by admitting that he had “mixed emotions” about representing the United States at the Olympics.

“Just because I’m wearing the flag doesn’t mean I represent everything that’s going on in the US,” Hess said, essentially stating that he wasn’t proud of the country he was representing. Hess, a 27-year-old veteran, who hails from Bend, Oregon, and has multiple World Cup and X Games podiums under his belt, has been part of Team USA since 2017.

His words sent shockwaves through the public. Critics were outraged that an athlete, who had received everything from America—training, sponsorships, global recognition, and the privilege to represent the country—would speak with such disdain about the nation that gave him everything.

2. The Woke Backlash: America Doesn’t Need This Kind of Athlete

As Hess’s words began to spread across social media, the backlash was swift and furious. Americans who have supported athletes for generations were now asking: Why should I cheer for someone who disrespects my country?

One social media user wrote: “This privileged athlete’s comments clearly show that he puts himself far above his country. His comments are an insult to Team USA and the spirit of the Olympics. Cut him!”

Another critic said, “When you wear the Stars and Stripes, you represent ALL of us — not just the parts you like. If you have mixed feelings, then stay home and let someone who loves this country shine.”

Mike Eruzione, the Miracle on Ice captain from the 1980 U.S. Men’s Hockey Team, stepped in and delivered a blunt response to Hess. On X, he wrote, “Hunter Hess US snowboarder saying he doesn’t represent his country but his family and friends… Then don’t put on the USA uniform maybe just put for family and friends some athletes just don’t get it.”

Eruzione’s message was simple: If you don’t want to represent the USA, take off the uniform.

3. More Team USA Athletes Join the Woke Parade

Hess wasn’t the only one to express disdain for America. Fellow Team USA freestyle skier Chris Lillis also voiced his frustration about the country’s political issues. Lillis shared his disappointment about the state of immigration enforcement and the protests in the U.S., claiming that the country wasn’t treating people fairly. “I’m heartbroken about what’s happening in the United States,” Lillis said. “We need to focus on respecting everybody’s rights…”

Adding to the chorus of criticisms, Team USA figure skater Amber Glenn weighed in earlier in the week, calling the Trump administration and its policies a blatant attack on the country’s values. Glenn, who has expressed her opinions about politics and human rights, used her platform to take aim at the U.S. government, further stirring the pot of political drama in the Olympics.

4. The Public’s Response: “If You Don’t Love America, Leave”

The comments from Hess, Lillis, and Glenn sparked an avalanche of outrage among the American public. Patriots were incensed, feeling that these athletes were betraying the very country that allowed them to reach the pinnacle of their careers.

Many fans and commentators rallied together, demanding that these athletes be removed from Team USA if they didn’t want to represent the country. The NFL’s wokeness wasn’t the only thing that angered viewers—it was the betrayal of American values that they cherished.

One X user commented: “If these athletes don’t want to represent the USA, then they should leave. Let someone who loves this country take their place.”

Another fan added, “The Olympics are about representing the United States. If you can’t stand for what this country stands for, don’t take the spot from someone who would be proud to represent.”

5. The Rise of the Patriots: “We Don’t Need Woke Athletes”

As the backlash grew, it was clear that Team USA’s woke athletes had underestimated the power of the American people. The public rallied behind the message of patriotism and respect for the USA, with fans turning to alternative programming during the Olympics to celebrate the nation’s values.

Many have pointed to the rise of Turning Point USA’s All-American Halftime Show as a clear sign that Americans are turning away from woke culture. With Kid Rock leading the charge, the alternative programming has gained massive traction, garnering millions of viewers and offering a stark contrast to the politically charged Olympic content. The NFL’s embrace of wokeness and political messages has alienated millions of American fans, and it’s clear the Olympics are heading in the same direction.

6. Conclusion: Americans Demand Authentic Patriotism, Not Political Pandering

As the 2026 Winter Olympics unfold, the public’s frustration with woke athletes and political correctness is at an all-time high. Athletes like Hunter Hess and Chris Lillis may have their own grievances with America, but if they’re unwilling to represent the country with pride, then they should step aside.

The public’s call for a boycott isn’t about suppressing free speech—it’s about demanding that athletes respect the honor they’ve been given to represent Team USA. The country has given them everything, and now it’s time for them to give something back.

If they can’t, then maybe it’s time for America to move on and give the Olympics back to athletes who truly love their country. Patriotism is the foundation of Team USA, and if athletes can’t embrace that, they should make room for those who will.