Staff Reports
It seems the Olympics have become less about sportsmanship and more about a soapbox for athletes. Back in the day, this wasn’t a concern, but now it’s almost common to hear athletes share political views instead of sticking to dazzling performances on ice or snow. A certain American figure skater brought tears to her own eyes while sharing how tough these political times have been. Instead of waving the flag with pure joy, it was more like delivering a monologue about struggles. Well, if athletes want to talk politics, maybe they should start knocking on doors for votes rather than gliding down ski slopes.
Most folks are tuning in to root for their country, not for a debate on American policies. Honestly, if you have mixed feelings draped in the red, white, and blue, it might be time to reassess why you’re representing the US at all. The United States doesn’t require its athletes to agree with everything the government does, but aimless griping isn’t helping anyone win a gold medal. The games exhibit not only talent and grit but also pride in representing one’s homeland. Reference drama later; just let the skiing do the talking.
Moreover, it gets even more colorful when athletes express that they’re not representing the entire country, just their ‘crew’ back home. Oh, how brave! Well, guess what? The funding that sent them isn’t coming from their pals at home. The citizens of the nation that they feel so conflicted about are the ones sponsoring and supporting them. So, if the flag on the back feels a tad too heavy, the solution’s simple: don’t bear it.
Now, before anyone throws the accusation of being unkind, let’s think about it. If someone dislikes their job, they can quit. Likewise, if a ski slope competitor despises the country they represent, shouldn’t they step aside? Instead of funneling complaints through post-run interviews, maybe it’s best to let the board or skis speak the loudest. Let’s shift focus to celebrating those who face difficult courses like champs and journalists eager to spotlight their national pride.
Lastly, let’s remember a little something about playing a sport – it’s about unity, hard work, and representing what you love about your homeland at that moment. So maybe, just maybe, when they ask about political issues during pre-race interviews, a simple reply of “I’m here to ski” would serve everyone best. Whether Grand Old Glory is flying proudly in your heart or stirring up shadows of doubt, just ski your best, represent your country with dignity, and save changing the world for another day.
