Cringe vs. Courage: The Two Versions of America on the Olympic Stage
My flag waves over the movement for justice.
Watching Americans enter the Olympic arena during the games’ opening ceremonies, I felt a cringe of dread. On the international stage, I wondered how our appearance would be met, and I couldn’t imagine too many well wishers among our once-close international friends.
Our world-class athletes waved and smiled as they walked across one of the biggest stages in the world, receiving applause as they soaked in the once-in-a-lifetime moment.
Then, while our biggest team ever of Winter Olympians held the flag high in the air, the TV camera panned over to J.D. and Usha Vance. Cheers for our athletes immediately shifted to jeers. When the shot cut back to Team USA, you saw hints of confusion and looking off to one side—I’m guessing toward the big screen in the arena. Notably, skier Hunter Hess was on screen just after our VP, and he seems to clock the problem right away.
The crowd’s reaction was both appropriate and devastating. A venue that once filled me with pride—happily cheering for our beloved red, white and blue—now sent a sting of shame through me. I thought of how many people across the globe might be rooting for our failure, and how far we have lately fallen in the eyes of the world.
But then, our athletes gave those detractors something to cheer for. In a press conference, Hess spoke about what it felt like to represent the US right now, owning the conflicting feelings of pride in a home country that is facing unprecedented turmoil.
“There’s obviously a lot going on that I’m not the biggest fan of and think a lot of people aren’t. If it aligns with my moral values, I feel like I’m representing it. But just because I’m wearing the flag doesn’t mean that I represent everything that’s going on in the U.S.”
Soon after, Trump attacked Hess on social media and called him a “LOSER”. He professed that he was ungrateful and shouldn’t be on the Olympic team. His MAGA loyalists, of course, jumped on the bandwagon.
Figure skater Amber Glenn stood behind Hess, confirming that for her too, it required some work to reconcile her feelings of competing for the US and staying true to her identity and principles.
“It’s been a hard time for the (LGBTQ+) community overall under this administration… And now, especially, it’s not just hitting the queer community, but many other communities…I hope I can use my platform and my voice and encourage people to stay strong in these hard times.”
Skiing and snowboarding teammates also affirmed both the feelings Hess and Glenn attested to, and their right to talk about how politics is affecting them in their personal and athletic lives. They added personal notes about how they felt as grandchildren and children of immigrants, or about the duty they felt to address injustices around them.
Each take was unique and thoughtful, and all conveyed a sense of unity around the US and people who are suffering now.
The men’s curling team made a point to speak out as Minnesotans, as well as Olympians. Rich Ruohonen, who notably also is a lawyer, said in no uncertain terms that their team was deeply affected by what is happening in Minneapolis. He declared it to be absolutely wrong and felt obligated to address the injustices going on.
And then, he drew a clear line between his criticism of what is going on in the US and his commitment and loyalty to representing the country.
“I want to make it clear: we are out here. We love our country. We are playing for the US and for team USA…And that doesn’t change anything because what the Olympics mean is excellence, respect, friendship. And we all exemplify that. We are playing for the people of Minnesota and the people across the country who share those same values.”
All the while, MAGA attacked—and is still attacking—anyone who spoke out. They denounce them as traitors, attack them online, and prompt special security and support from the Olympic community.
Our greatest ill-wishers have ended up coming from within our own borders, and they—in the name of patriotism—celebrate in the idea that we will fail on the international stage. Like at home, those claiming the largest share of loyalty to our country are the ones pulling down its greatness and cheering on its demise.
This year has been dark with a shadow of greed, ineptitude, and cruelty looming large over our once-revered nation. In policy, symbolic representation, and reputation, we have watched our country degrade into something almost unrecognizable.
America the bully. The grifter. The slob. The fool. The wretch.
But though these are the images formed in dominant headlines, the USA of legend and lore peeks through. Underdog Senators and Republicans are building up a fortitude.
Protests, grassroots activism, scrappy lawsuits, and for-the-people candidates are changing the political landscape.
Kindness of neighbors and concern for democracy are inspiring millions of citizens to become politically active. That kind of American spirit is prompting a more hands-on kind of citizenship.
And now, just as sports are apt to do, these Olympic games—full of certified winners—crystalize who we are, where we are, and why we are doing what we are doing in beautiful metaphorical clarity.
Our champions are walking onto the international stage and representing us honorably. Something we haven’t seen in far too long.
While D.C. slobs work to bring them down, they don’t quit. They don’t shy away from the pressure. They put everything on the line to represent our country with integrity, even when that means facing undue hardship from Trumpers.
And here at home, many of us can relate as we stand up and speak out for what is right even when it isn’t comfortable or easy.
We see them winning, smiling, and grateful for their epic journeys, and we understand that our best paths of resistance take on the same characteristics.
Our innovative community organizing and opposition to this administration tap us into a real sense of connection and purpose that brings us joy, despite the hardship that incites it.
“I think we’re always stronger than we think. We can do hard things. We can overcome anything. And we’ve already won in so many ways.” -Madison Chock, US Ice Dancer
They stand by their teammates and shake hands with friends and competition from other countries. Sometimes, they bask in the glory of victory, and sometimes they grieve for heartbreaking losses. All the while, they stay true to that thumping in their chest and chanting in their head that pushes them to reach for something great—to be something great.
And so do we.
Team USA is the epitome of America the brave, they show us the rewards of relentless hard work and dedication in real time. They show us the worthiness of trying and persevering. They illustrate the merit of sportsmanship, focus, and compassion, and make the contrast between that and the MAGA movement glaringly obvious.
And they highlight those things in the broader American population. They reflect the best of the best of our country right back at us, challenging us to live up to it.
With less than one week left in the games, these representatives offer us a temporary lift, a brief time to bask in what our country could—and should—be. After that, we must carry the torch forward, illuminating the best of our nation while standing firm against the shadows that seek to dim it.
With love and hope for the future,
Stephanie
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What do you think of the way that Team USA has responded to the current political environment?
“I’m proud to represent Team USA and my country. I’m also saddened about what’s happening at home. It’s really tough, and I feel like we can’t turn a blind eye to that. At the same time, I represent a country that has the same values as mine, kindness and compassion, and we come together in times of injustice.”
-Maddie Mastro, US Snowboarder
You threaded well that needle of patriotism/love of country/care for others with the right (and need) to speak out on issues of our day. No longer is it a matter of "shut up and dribble." Athletes are citizens first (and perhaps role models), and as citizens, they should speak up when patriotism/love of country/care for others is threatened. Thank you for the post.
This is wonderful!! Thank you for capturing my feelings in this moment 🥰