The Olympics and Politics Are More Intertwined Than Ever. Maybe That’s a Good Thing
Wired
by Angela WatercutterFebruary 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina have seen an unprecedented intertwining of sports and politics, marking a shift from traditional unity to a more contentious environment. Athletes like Hunter Hess and Amber Glenn openly expressed discomfort with representing the U.S. amid political tensions, challenging the notion that wearing one's country's flag equates to endorsing its policies. This sentiment reflects a growing trend where athletes use the Olympic platform to voice their personal beliefs, despite potential backlash.
The event was marred by protests over ICE agents' presence, leading to jeers for Vice President JD Vance and his wife during the opening ceremony. Athletes such as Hess faced criticism from figures like Trump, while others, including Chloe Kim and Eileen Gu, defended their peers, emphasizing unity and the spirit of the Games. This highlights a divide
Verticals
techscience
Originally published on Wired on 2/20/2026