There was a time when the Olympics embodied humanity’s highest ideals — athletic excellence paired with global unity. Yet, once again, deep political divisions have seeped into the Games, transforming a celebration of sport into a stage for protests and strife.

The 2026 Winter Olympics, hosted across Milano Cortina in Italy, kicked off last Friday. Already, they have generated headlines dominated not necessarily by medal counts or record-breaking performances, but by escalating political tensions in just the opening days. Multiple flashpoints have captured attention, turning the slopes and rinks into arenas for activism and backlash.

No ICE Allowed at the Winter Olympics?

Anti-ICE demonstrations, which have been no stranger to American streets like those in Minneapolis, have now reached the snow-dusted Dolomites Mountains. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents are present to help secure the American delegation. But this very presence appears to have triggered vocal opposition from protesters and athletes alike.

British-American freestyle skier Gus Kenworthy made headlines before the Games even began by using his own urine to write a provocative and crass message in the snow, photographing it, then sharing it on social media. In his caption, he urged his followers “to speak up against ICE and put pressure on them during the current DHS funding negotiations.” He added, “Innocent people have been murdered, and enough is enough. We can’t wait around while ICE continues to operate with unchecked power in our communities.”

An International Olympic Committee (IOC) spokesperson confirmed that Kenworthy will face no disciplinary action, stating that athletes “have the opportunity to express their views.”

The sentiment echoed among the members of Team USA. During a press conference, freestyle skiers Hunter Hess and Chris Lillis described themselves as “heartbroken” over what’s unfolding in America. They took the time to emphasize that wearing the stars and stripes does not signify any kind of endorsement of national policies they oppose. Hess, for example, explained how “just because I’m wearing the flag doesn’t mean I represent everything that’s going on in the U.S.” He described “mixed emotions” about representation, adding, “For me, it’s more I’m representing my friends and family back home, the people that represented before me, all the things that I believe are good about the U.S. I think if it aligns with my moral values, I feel like I’m representing it.” 

Figure skater Amber Glenn similarly remarked that it was “unfortunate that the term ICE isn’t something we can embrace because of what’s happening and the implications of what some individuals are doing.” These statements, however, sparked sharp pushback from the White House and many citizens.

President Donald Trump responded on Truth Social, addressing Hess directly. He called him “a real Loser,” adding that if he doesn’t want to “represent his Country in the current Winter Olympics … he shouldn’t have tried out for the Team, and it’s too bad he’s on it. Very hard to root for someone like this.”

Mike Eruzione, captain of the legendary 1980 “Miracle on Ice” U.S. hockey team, wrote in a now-deleted post that “some athletes just don’t get it,” suggesting anyone unwilling to fully represent the country shouldn’t wear the uniform. Ric Grenell, a former Trump administration official, labeled Hess a “privileged Gen Z from Oregon [who] hasn’t traveled much,” urging him to “move to Canada if you aren’t proud to wear USA.” Chad Caton of the Veterans for Trump Coalition noted: “Some of us wore that flag on our arm and buried our friends under it.”

Social media erupted with demands to remove the athletes, with comments like: “If he doesn’t like the flag and what it represents, he is welcome to find another country. We don’t care.” Others called for Hess and Lillis to be “sent back home immediately,” arguing they had “insulted our entire nation on the world stage.” As one user wrote, “Bring them home. They don’t deserve to represent this country.”

A Showcase for Athleticism or a Political Powwow?

The controversies quickly extended beyond immigration to LGBT issues. At a press conference, Amber Glenn — who had already critiqued ICE — went on about how it has been “a hard time for the [LGBT] community overall under this administration.” She added, “It isn’t the first time that we’ve had to come together as a community and try and fight for our human rights. And now especially, it’s not just affecting the queer community but many other communities.”

Glenn specifically stated her intent to use her platform to speak about her political opinions: “I know that a lot of people say, ‘You’re just an athlete, like, stick to your job, shut up about politics.’ But politics affect us all. It is something that I will not just be quiet about because it is something that affects us in our everyday lives.”

While her comments drew some praise, they also attracted a tidal wave of criticism. In fact, the skater claimed she received so much “hate” and “threats” that it prompted her to step back from social media. As Glenn wrote in a post, “I did anticipate this but I am disappointed by it. I will be limiting my time on social media for my own wellbeing for now but I will never stop using my voice for what I believe in.”

Some acknowledge that Glenn does have a right to “say whatever she wants, wherever she wants.” Many, however, argue that the Olympics — meant for pure athletic focus — should remain a refuge from divisive politics, where fans simply want to witness the world’s finest competitors.

Stolen Gear: Sheer Crime or Politically Motivated?

Adding to the turmoil, the first-ever Israeli bobsled team to compete in the Olympics became the victims of brazen theft.

Team captain and driver A.J. Edelman shared online that their apartment was ransacked during training — “Suitcases, shoes, equipment, passports stolen.” The loss amounted to “thousands of dollars” in items. Yet undeterred, Edelman noted how “the boys headed right back to training today. I really believe this team exemplifies the Israeli Spirit.”

What’s Next?

As the Games continue, the question looms: Will the remaining days deliver unforgettable athletic triumphs, or will more political flashpoints overshadow the competition? As one observer put it, “I grow fatigued ... because every sporting event is now a pulpit for every athlete to scream about their disappointment [with] the greatest country on earth, yet refusing to leave the greatest country on earth.”

The Olympics were founded to transcend borders and ideologies, uniting the world through shared human endeavor. Yet in 2026, they seem to better reflect ever-growing divides. Whether this moment proves to mark a regrettable erosion of the Games’ unifying spirit, one truth endures: amid the noise of protests, statements, and backlash, a significant portion of the global audience simply wants politics and sports to remain separate — to let the athletes compete, the crowds cheer, and the focus stay on what brings the world together rather than what tears it apart.