Olympian Ilona Maher is opening up about what it means to support Team USA amid political turmoil at home.
Maher, 29, explained in an Instagram post on Tuesday, Feb. 10 that when she cheers for American athletes at the 2026 Winter Olympics, she isn’t expressing support for what’s happening in the U.S. Instead, she says it’s her way of showing up for the American dream and for the Olympians who put their blood, sweat and tears into competing.
“When I say, ‘Go USA!’ I am not condoning what is happening in my country. I say, ‘Go USA!’ for all the athletes who I believe are a beautiful representation of what America should be: Those that are following a dream like so many of their ancestors who dreamt of a better life and came to America for that,” Maher wrote.
The Olympic bronze medal–winning rugby player added that she understands “the hours put in not just by the athletes but by the communities around America that raised them to be great.”
“I say, ‘Go USA’ in hopes that we will become a country who doesn’t just say ‘love thy neighbor’ but actually embodies it,” she said.
Maher is one of several Team USA athletes who have spoken out in recent weeks about politics at home, including President Trump’s immigration crackdown.
Skier Hunter Hess has also faced backlash — along with support — after explaining why he feels “mixed emotions” representing the U.S. at this year’s Games. His remarks drew criticism from President Donald Trump, who called him a “real loser.”
In response, Hess wrote on Instagram that he loves the United States and values the freedom to speak openly.
“There is so much that is great about America, but there are always things that could be better. One of the many things that make this country so amazing is that we have the right and the freedom to point that out,” he wrote. “The best part of the Olympics is that it brings people together, and when so many of us are divided we need that more than ever. I cannot wait to represent Team USA next week when I compete.”
Hess had previously said at a press conference that he’s “not the biggest fan” of what is currently happening in the U.S., and that wearing the U.S. flag on his uniform doesn’t mean he represents everything going on in the country.
Meanwhile, figure skater Amber Glenn told reporters it has been “a hard time” for the LGBTQ community, of which she is a member, and said she hoped to use her platform to encourage people to stay strong. She later said she was stepping away from social media after receiving what she described as “a scary amount of hate/threats.”
Skier Chris Lillis also spoke to reporters about representing Team USA, saying that while he would “never want to represent” any other country, he is “heartbroken” by what’s happening in the U.S.
