This year's winter Olympics take place as the Trump administration kidnaps and imprisons immigrants – including many who have followed all the rules in coming to this country and seeking legal status. Even as they compete in the name of the United States in what will be the biggest event of most of their lives, some athletes have paused to express their solidarity with immigrants or their discomfort with the Trump administration's actions, essentially echoing the sentiments of the crowd at the opening ceremonies that cheered for the athletes while booing J.D. Vance.
Cross-country skier Jessie Diggins, a Minnesotan who has gold, silver, and bronze Olympic medals, posted an absolutely beautiful statement to her Instagram:
"I want to make sure you know who I’m racing for when I get to the start line at the Olympics. I’m racing for an American people who stand for love, for acceptance, for compassion, honesty and respect for others. I do not stand for hate or violence or discrimination.
"I get to decide who I’m racing for every single day, and how I want to live up to my values. For everyone out there caring for others, protecting their neighbors and meeting people with love - every single step is for you. YOU are the ones who make me proud to carry the flag, and I hope I can bring you joy over these next few weeks."
Snowboarder Chloe Kim, a two-time gold medalist, cited her own family's immigrant experience in an Instagram post:
"My parents left South Korea in search of a better future for their family. They left behind everything they knew so that my sisters and I could have the chance to one day live the American dream. Their sacrifice is one I will never take for granted.
"So when I stand at the top of the halfpipe, competing on the biggest stage in sport, I do so with immense pride. I am representing my country but I am also representing those who took a leap of faith, who came to this beautiful nation carrying hopes, dreams, and courage.
"I am proud of my heritage.
"I am proud of my journey.
"And I am proud to represent a country that is strongest when it embraces diversity, dignity, and hope."
Before the Olympics started, hockey player Kelly Pannek, who plays professionally for the Minnesota Frost, said "What I'm most proud to represent is the tens of thousands of people that show up on some of the coldest days of the year to stand and fight for what they believe in."
Bea Kim, another snowboarder, also posted to Instagram, saying, in part, "love, compassion, and respect for everyone rule all. diversity is what makes the united states so special. it is woven into the very fabric of our country," and adding, "thank YOU all for making me proud to represent the united states."
Freestyle skiers Chris Lillis and Hunter Hess had a lot to say, with Hess describing "mixed emotions" in representing the United States at this moment. “It’s a little hard. There’s obviously a lot going on that I’m not the biggest fan of, and I think a lot of people aren’t,” he said. “I think for me, it’s more I’m representing my friends and family back home… all the things that I believe are good about the United States.”
He was clear that “just because I wear the flag, it doesn’t mean I represent everything that is going on in the U.S.”
Lillis was just as unequivocal: “A lot of times, athletes are hesitant to talk about political views and how we feel about things. I feel heartbroken about what’s happening in the United States,” he said. “I’m pretty sure you’re referencing ICE and some of the protests and things like that. I think that as a country, we need to focus on respecting everybody’s rights and making sure that we’re treating our citizens as well as anybody, with love and respect.”
Amber Glenn, an openly queer figure skater, has received threats and is taking a social media break after speaking out about the Trump administration's policies on LGBTQ issues. "It’s been a hard time for the community overall and this administration. It isn’t the first time that we’ve had to come together as a community and try to fight for our human rights," she had said. "And now, especially, it’s not just affecting the queer community, but many other communities. And I think that we are able to support each other in a way that we didn’t have to before, and because of that, it’s made us a lot stronger.”
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