As the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo approach, athletes are increasingly using their participation to raise awareness about political issues. Tommy Smith and John Carlos famously raised their fists at the 1968 Olympics in a stand against racial discrimination in the United States, a gesture that continues to inspire athletes today. Similarly, athletes are drawing attention to the ongoing war in Ukraine, with participants like Vladyslav Heraskevych embedding images of athletes who lost their lives due to the conflict on their helmets, despite potential disqualification from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for political statements. The tragic backdrop of Russia's invasion of Ukraine is reflected in the experiences of athletes such as Sophia Shkut, who wept after competing against Russian athletes, expressing the difficulty of focusing on sports while their homeland is under attack. Furthermore, the longstanding conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan has also made its way to the ice, as Armenian figure skating pairs chose a piece titled ‘Artsakh’ for their routine, highlighting ongoing tensions between the two nations. In addition to international conflicts, domestic political issues in the United States, particularly around immigration enforcement under former President Donald Trump, are also resonating among athletes. Freestyle skier Hunter Hess has been outspoken about his opposition to these policies, indicating a growing trend where athletes are leveraging their visibility to advocate for change not only in their respective sports but also in broader societal contexts. This interplay of sports and political activism underscores the powerful role athletes can play in shaping discussions on critical issues.