Olympic gold winner dismisses athletes' negative comments on representing US: 'I think we're the best country'
Stolz Hails USA as Best Despite Olympians' Reservations
Two-time gold medalist Jordan Stolz dismissed reservations from fellow U.S. athletes about representing their country at the Olympics. The speedskater, who won gold in the men's 500-meter event at the 2026 Winter Games in Milan on Feb. 14, told Fox News Digital he paid no attention to such comments. "I'm always happy to represent the USA," Stolz said. "I think we're the best country."
Freeskier Hunter Hess described mixed emotions about competing for the U.S. in Milan, calling it "a little hard" due to domestic issues and clarifying he represented friends and family, not everything in the country. Alpine skier Mikaela Shiffrin said it was tough to reconcile U.S. violence with Olympic competition while prioritizing her own values. Sprinter Noah Lyles called representing the U.S. bittersweet ahead of the 2024 Summer Olympics, citing challenges for Black Americans.
Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper voiced the opposite view ahead of the World Baseball Classic, insisting politics should be set aside. "Representing your country, there's nothing greater," Harper said after hitting a home run for Team USA in the March 17, 2026, championship game against Venezuela. Hess's comments drew criticism from President Donald Trump, who labeled him a "real loser."
