At the 2026 Milan‑Cortina Winter Olympics, several Team USA athletes sparked outrage and boycott calls after voicing “mixed emotions” about representing the United States. Freestyle skier Hunter Hess said, “Just because I’m wearing the flag doesn’t mean I represent everything that’s going on in the U.S.,” and teammate Chris Lillis voiced similar concerns tied to recent ICE actions. Critics on social media and public figures condemned the remarks, with some vowing to boycott coverage and calling for athletes to be stripped of honors. The controversy has intensified online debate over patriotism, athlete speech and the role of politics in sport. (channelnewsasia.com)