Team GB Skier's Snowy Protest Against US Immigration Agency
Team GB skier Gus Kenworthy has ignited controversy ahead of the Winter Olympics by appearing to write a profane message targeting US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in urine in the snow. The Essex-born, American-raised athlete, who previously won Olympic gold with the US team, is now competing for Great Britain in Milan.
Political Statement in the Snow
Kenworthy, who boasts over 1.2 million Instagram followers, shared a post that seemingly shows him urinating the phrase 'F**K ICE' into the snow. This act comes amid heightened tensions surrounding US immigration enforcement. Throughout January, protests erupted across Minneapolis after ICE agents shot and killed two US citizens, with federal agents from the same agency also deployed in Milan for security during the Winter Olympics.
Call to Action for US Citizens
Beyond the visual protest, Kenworthy's social media post included a substantive political call to action. He encouraged US citizens to contact their senators, urging them to 'refuse to support any final Department of Homeland Security funding agreement that fails to meaningfully rein in ICE and Border Patrol.' To facilitate this, his post provided a 'sample script' for constituents to use when communicating with their representatives.
No Olympic Sanctions Expected
Despite the provocative nature of his actions, Kenworthy will face no punishment from the International Olympic Committee. An IOC spokesman clarified: 'During the Olympic Games, all participants have the opportunity to express their views as per the Athlete Expression Guidelines. The IOC does not regulate personal social media posts.' The British Olympic Association has been approached for comment regarding the incident.
Kenworthy's Olympic Journey
Raised in Colorado, Kenworthy will compete for Team GB in the free-ski half-pipe event. His transition from representing the United States to competing for Great Britain adds an additional layer of complexity to his political statement, highlighting the intersection of national identity and global activism in elite sports.
The incident underscores how athletes are increasingly using their platforms to address political and social issues, even during major international sporting events. As the Winter Olympics progress, this protest raises questions about the boundaries of athlete expression and the role of sports in broader societal debates.
