Criticism by Winter Olympic athletes of Trump policies mirror reaction to iconic 1968 protest

by

Team USA is making history at the Milan-Cortina Winter Games, achieving record-breaking performances and impressive victories.

As the Games continue into their second week, a potentially troubling pattern from the past is emerging, adding a political dimension to the event.

Top athletes like skiers Mikaela Shiffrin and Hunter Hess, and snowboarder Chloe Kim, have publicly expressed discomfort with representing the United States given the current political climate. Their concerns stem from issues like the forceful federal response to protests in Minnesota, as well as the Trump administration’s policies impacting immigrants and the LGBTQ+ community.

Representing the U.S. is complicated right now, and wearing the uniform doesn’t mean I agree with everything happening in the country,” Hess explained at a press conference last week.

2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics

American Olympic athletes competing in Milan-Cortina, including skiers Mikaela Shiffrin and Hunter Hess, are openly discussing current events in the United States.

Trump criticized comments made by Hess in a post on Truth Social, calling him a “real Loser.” He added that if Hess doesn’t want to represent his country, he shouldn’t have tried out for the team, and expressed disappointment that Hess was on it, making it difficult to support him.

During an interview with CNN at the Games, Vice President JD Vance responded to athletes who have been critical, suggesting they should anticipate some negative reactions.

Vance, who received boos from the crowd when shown on the big screen at the opening ceremony, stated that athletes are there to compete, represent their country, and ideally win a medal. He believes the vast majority of Olympians, regardless of their personal beliefs, have the full support of the nation. Vance feels the best way to unite the country isn’t through criticism while abroad, but by focusing on their sport and representing the U.S. well.

Recent outspokenness from Winter Olympic athletes recalls a powerful protest at the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City. Sprinters Tommie Smith and John Carlos, who finished first and third in the 200-meter race, famously raised black-gloved fists during the medal ceremony, creating a lasting and iconic image in Olympic history.

After winning their medals, Smith and Carlos protested racial injustice in the United States by bowing their heads and raising black-gloved fists during the playing of the national anthem. This act sparked widespread international debate and angered Olympic leaders, who accused the athletes of using the Games to embarrass America.

HBO Max’s documentary, “Fists of Freedom: The Story of the ’68 Summer Games,” examines the powerful Black Power salute given by athletes Smith and Carlos. The award-winning film details the event and how it affected the athletes, who were both celebrated as heroes and heavily criticized.

George Roy, the director of “Fists of Freedom,” points out parallels between 1968 and today, specifically regarding the Olympics and American athletes. In both eras, athletes have expressed a desire for greater pride in their country given the social and political climate.

Roy, an Emmy-winning founder of Jersey Line Films, also pointed out some key differences.

He explained that Smith and Carlos’s actions were significant because they stemmed from their own experiences. They were part of a larger movement protesting for equality, arguing they deserved to represent the United States. However, despite their athletic achievements, they faced discrimination in everyday life, like being denied service at restaurants or finding housing.

He added, “It was just more personal than what is happening now.”

In the documentary, Smith explained that the meaning behind his and Carlos’s actions was frequently misunderstood.

Smith explained that as the national anthem played, he raised his glove in a gesture towards God. The raised Black Power salute, he said, was a tribute to those who had died and a show of support for fellow African Americans facing violence and injustice – those who had been shot or attacked by dogs. He described it as a plea for freedom and a call for help.

Honestly, I really dislike when people interpret that scene as disrespectful. To me, it wasn’t about hating the American flag at all. It felt more like a powerful gesture – a raised fist showing strength, followed by a bowed head in reverence. It wasn’t negativity, it was complex emotion.

Television

To get you in the Olympic spirit, the TV team at The Times has put together a list of documentaries about the Games that you can stream right now.

Though he heard cheers, he also heard boos and jeers.

“Fists of Freedom” features interviews with athletes and journalists who witnessed or reported on the event and offer their perspectives on it.

Bob Paul, the U.S. Olympic Committee’s press secretary in 1968, believed that John Carlos and Tommie Smith’s protest was inappropriate. He felt athletes should maintain strict order and respect during award ceremonies.

Back when he was a columnist for the Chicago American, veteran sportscaster Brent Musburger described the protest at a sporting event as childish and unnecessary. He compared athletes Smith and Carlos to “Black-skinned storm troopers.”

Avery Brundage, the head of the Olympic committee, was furious and immediately demanded the sprinters be removed from the Games.

Although the protest sparked controversy, many experts consider Smith and Carlos’s salute a pivotal moment for the Black community, significantly boosting the Civil Rights Movement. Despite this impact, both athletes faced hardships in their personal lives and careers after returning home.

Smith and Carlos have both given talks recently. We were unable to get a response from them when contacted.

You know, I was watching “Fists of Freedom” the other night, and there’s this line from Smith that really stuck with me. He says, and it’s so simple but powerful, ‘We’re not trying to be villains here, we just want people to see us, to acknowledge that we exist and matter.’ It’s a really moving statement about the basic human need for recognition.

Read More

2026-02-14 14:31