‘It’s really hard’: US Olympians are stepping off the podium to speak out about the chaos in Minnesota

U.S. Olympic athletes from Minnesota are starting to speak out about the tense political situation back home. This comes after federal authorities shot and killed Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis last month. Many of these athletes are preparing for the Milan Cortina Games.

Minnesota is dealing with a lot of tension right now. The shootings, along with the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown, have caused weeks of strong protests and clashes with federal authorities. This situation has affected daily life in the state, even showing up at sporting events. During a recent Professional Women’s Hockey League game in St. Paul, fans chanted “ICE out now.”

After that game, Minnesota Frost stars Kelly Pannek and Taylor Heise, both members of the U.S. Olympic team, talked about the situation. Pannek looked very emotional at the press conference. According to NBC News, she said people often ask what it’s like to represent the state and country, but what she’s most proud of is representing the thousands of people who show up.

Athletes are struggling to focus while their communities face crisis

Heise said the team has tried to make everyone feel welcome and safe during games. But she added it’s hard to feel secure “in this time and place here in Minnesota.” This is a strong statement from an athlete who should be focused on performing at her best.

Cross-country skier Jessie Diggins, who won gold in 2018, shared similar feelings. She posted on Instagram on January 25, the day after Pretti’s death. She said the week had been mentally and emotionally stressful for reasons outside of sports.

She hoped to bring joy to viewers and honor neighbors protecting their communities, but admitted, “Primarily, it’s been devastating following the news of what has been happening in Minnesota right now and it’s really hard feeling like I can do nothing about it.” Athletes facing financial struggles have made extreme decisions in the past, including one who shipped himself home in a box.

It’s not just the 24 Minnesota athletes going to the Milan Cortina Games who are speaking up. Figure skater Alysa Liu from California has been active on Instagram, sharing news about the deaths and urging people to contact their representatives in Congress to oppose the current funding bill for the Department of Homeland Security.

A popular sports content creator, Coach Jackie J, posted a video that’s been viewed hundreds of thousands of times. She urged Olympians to use their platform to “speak up” against a government “going after its own people.” She said it was a responsibility, not just an opportunity. 

“Let everyone know that you’re not representing this government, you’re not representing what it’s doing, you’re representing the people,” she stated. President Trump has previously pushed conspiracy theories about Minnesota politics while discussing ICE protests in the state.

The question is how much athletes can say once they compete in Italy. The U.S. will send Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to assist with security there. The International Olympic Committee has rules that started with the Tokyo Games. 

Athletes can express their views at press conferences and on the field before competition starts. However, they can’t make political statements during events, like medal ceremonies or opening and closing ceremonies. They also aren’t allowed to speak out inside the Olympic village.