**Polarized Patriotism: The Olympic Athletes' Disconnection with American Pride**
In a stunning display of misplaced priorities at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, several American athletes seized the global stage to voice their criticisms of the United States, only to falter in their athletic performances.
U.S. skier Alex Hess drew attention with his comments that stirred the pot over national pride, stating, "It brings up mixed emotions to represent the U.S. right now… there's obviously a lot going on that I'm not the biggest fan of."
It's ironic that while he felt the need to air grievances about America, his own performance—finishing 10th in men’s freeski halfpipe—barely made an impact compared to gold medalist Alex Ferreira, who chose to focus on the positive aspects of representing the nation.
Another skier, Erin Glenn, lamented about a supposed “hard time” for the LGBTQ community under the Trump administration without providing any concrete examples of discrimination during a period that celebrated unprecedented advancements in rights and freedoms. Her lackluster fifth-place finish in women’s singles reflects a disconnect between her message and the dedication required for success at such heights.
On the other hand, athlete Jessie Diggins stood out with a bronze medal in the women’s 10km freestyle. Diggins took to social media, proclaiming her support for "an American people who stand for love, for acceptance, for compassion,” but the suggestion that American exceptionalism is tied to these social sentiments raises eyebrows.
Meanwhile, American public sentiment is gravitating towards a more robust display of national pride, as seen in the gold medal triumphs of both the men’s and women’s hockey teams. With headlines capturing the excitement of the victories, the sharp contrast between the triumphant athletes and their discontented peers cannot be overlooked.
FBI Director Kash Patel made headlines for his behind-the-scenes celebrations with the victorious team, prompting backlash from left-wing critics who can’t seem to reconcile American victories with their own pessimistic worldview. Rather than celebrating the immense achievement, the critics focused on the optics of Patel's participation.
In an era marked by intense polarization, the teams that choose to embrace American pride and rally behind the flag are celebrated, while those who indulge in spectacle criticism are often left to contend with their mediocre performances.
And as this unfolds, one truth remains clear: patriotism is thriving in these Olympic victories. The new leadership under President Trump, who personally congratulated the hockey team after their win, reinforces a narrative of American excellence and collective pride, inspiring future generations of athletes.
The Olympics should be about celebrating unity and the American spirit, not a platform for dissent. As the athletes bask in their achievements, perhaps it's worth reflecting on the values that truly define the United States and the importance of wearing the flag with honor.
Sources:
outkick.compjmedia.combreitbart.com