The Olympic context for athletes often comes with unspoken restrictions regarding political expression, as seen in the case of Ukrainian athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych, who was sent home for displaying names of fallen compatriots on his helmet. This sets a backdrop for the current tensions among American athletes preparing to participate in the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. As they navigate the pressures of competition and controversy, many are engaging directly with prominent figures in American politics, including former President Donald Trump.

Freestyle skier Hunter Hess finds himself at the center of this discussion, having garnered significant attention through his calls for support, which, while not overtly political, have nonetheless drawn backlash from various factions within the U.S. His popularity among certain groups contrasts sharply with the criticism he faces from others, pushing him into a spotlight that could affect his performance and participation in the upcoming halfpipe competition, where he is considered a medal contender.

This situation is emblematic of the broader challenges that athletes face when balancing their personal beliefs with the expectations of their sport, particularly in a highly polarized political climate. The reactions to Hess's statements highlight the delicate nature of athlete activism and the scrutiny that Olympic athletes are subjected to, especially when their actions can have ripple effects back home in a politically charged environment.