Political/Social opinions at the Olympics

Political comments were made by Olympians during the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy, despite the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) Rule 50, which restricts political expression at Olympic sites. The IOC allows political expression in press conferences and on the field prior to the start of competition, which some athletes used as a platform.
American athletes such as freestyle skier Hunter Hess and curler Rich Ruohonen voiced criticism of the current administration and also about ICE, particularly in response to events in Minnesota.
Hess stated, “Just because I’m wearing the flag doesn’t mean I represent everything that’s going on in the U.S.,” while Ruohonen called ICE’s actions “wrong” and “clear” in their injustice.
Figure skater Amber Glenn spoke out in support of LGBTQ+ rights, saying she would continue to represent “freedom and being able to love and do what you want,” despite receiving threats that led her to limit her social media use.

Should Political/Social opinions be allowed at the Olympics?

Fantine said:

I would draw the line at comments that are clearly anti-America, but let's face it, the world is angry at America. My son in South Korea says lots of expats are putting Canadian flag patches on their back packs because they are so embarrassed and ashamed of the current administration's destructive policies. (I don't think he has, but of course he shares many of those feelings. The country they call home, like most countries, is suffering economically from these erratic unconstitutional tariffs.)
These athletes are under a lot of pressure. Forcing them to smile and nod and defend the morally, ethically indefensible policies would surely create inner turmoil.
I love America, and I show it by voting, supporting ethical candidates, peaceful protest, and advocacy.
Trying to undo the indefensible is the height of patriotism.

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"the world is angry at America". Some are and that comes and goes through the decades in all administratins.
I don't think the world is as angry as the Left leaning try to make it. There's been anger at varius countries through the decades, so nothing new.
Democrat administrations have had destructive policies also, but even though I didn't vote for the guy, their main beef is Trump himself and him not following lock step with the overall agendas that was in place. That angered many of the Left leaning.
The unconstitutional tariffs have been blocked now by the Supreme Court. At least I think it was immediate. But we have to keep in mind most President's have used tariffs, so it's not uncommon.
I agree, olympians are under pressure, but to be fair it's self imposed pressure due to them choosing this path. Hopefully none have been forced to do what they have done.
I like America and vote for the issues that are important to me. No candidate is ethical overall since politics is such a dirty game...so I don't go by their public persona.
Peaceful protesting I support, but not violent Rioting as we've seen from some of the Left over the ICE issue for example.
I agree, trying to undo the indefensible by all politicians in DC is (one of) the height of patriotism. Sadly some politicians mainly on the Left side are in a bubble and not held accountable. Even if they aren't held accountable while on earth, God will hold them accountable, so that's comforting to know