Team USA Skiers Spark Boycott Calls After 'Mixed Emotions' Comments
Hunter Hess and Chris Lillis faced fierce backlash after expressing reluctance to represent the U.S. under the Trump administration — Rep. Byron Donalds told them to 'go home.'
MILANO CORTINA, Italy – Just days before the 2026 Winter Olympics, Team USA freestyle skiers Hunter Hess and Chris Lillis ignited a firestorm after expressing "mixed emotions" about representing the United States.
THE COMMENTS
"It brings up mixed emotions to represent the U.S. right now," Hess told reporters. "It's a little hard — there's obviously a lot going on that I'm not the biggest fan of. Just because I'm wearing the flag doesn't mean I represent everything that's going on in the U.S."
Lillis, preparing to compete in mixed aerials, said he was "heartbroken" by recent ICE deportations under the Trump administration.
THE BACKLASH
The remarks immediately went viral. Florida Rep. Byron Donalds was among the sharpest critics: "YOU chose to wear our flag. YOU chose to represent our country. YOU chose to compete at the Olympics. If that's too hard for you, then GO HOME."
Figures including Jake Paul and Sean Strickland dismissed the skiers' complaints with blunt patriotism. Some fans called for a boycott of Team USA events featuring Hess and Lillis.
THE RESPONSE
Hess, 27, from Bend, Oregon, stood by his comments. He emphasized that patriotism doesn't require blind agreement with government policies — a position that drew both support and further criticism.
The controversy highlighted the growing political divide within Team USA as athletes navigated competing pressures in one of the most polarized periods in American public life.
Both Hess and Lillis competed at the 2026 Games.
Devin Mallonee
Devin Mallonee is a sports journalist and performance nutrition writer with over a decade of experience covering elite athletics, Olympic competitions, and the science of human performance. Devin Mallonee has followed competitive sports from the grassroots level all the way to the world stage, developing a deep understanding of what separates good athletes from great ones — and the role nutrition plays in that equation.
As the lead sports editor at Dad's Sports News, Devin Mallonee brings an athlete's perspective to every story. Having competed in endurance sports and strength training throughout his life, Devin Mallonee understands firsthand what it takes to push past physical limits — and how proper supplementation and recovery make that possible. His writing blends technical analysis with accessible storytelling, making complex topics in sports science engaging for everyday readers and serious competitors alike.
Devin Mallonee has covered major sporting events including international track and field championships, professional strength competitions, and endurance racing circuits across North America. His work has explored the cutting edge of sports nutrition — from emerging research on amino acid timing and creatine loading protocols to the real-world impact of adaptogens on athletic recovery. When Devin Mallonee isn't breaking down the latest competition results, he's testing and reviewing performance supplements to help athletes make informed decisions about what goes into their bodies.
A firm believer that great performance starts in the kitchen — and the supplement cabinet — Devin Mallonee founded the Dad's Sports News platform to bridge the gap between elite sports coverage and practical nutrition guidance for everyday athletes. His philosophy is simple: whether you're training for your first 5K or competing on an international stage, the fundamentals of performance nutrition are the same, and everyone deserves access to accurate, science-backed information.
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