The Future of the Olympics
Although the Olympic Charter explicitly forbids political propaganda, the “neutrality” of the games is a persistent myth. In reality, every accomplishment by these athletes is a boost for International power. Governments have long used the success of their athletes to legitimize their regimes, or score points against ideological rivals, effectively turning the medal count into a geopolitical scoreboard. Consequently, athletes find themselves roped into political conflicts they did not start and agendas they may not support. Because they compete under a national flag, their individual excellence is inextricably tied to their country’s political reputation. Even so, many olympics athletes have advocated against such allegations, showing what they really stand for when representing their national colors.
There are different ways in which these athletes have spoken against political involvement. Athletes who have overtly spoken about their beliefs away from current stigmas tied to American politics. Take, for example, Alysa Liu, a gold medalist figure-skater, with an “alternative” personality, showcasing her beliefs through actions and words. Beliefs that directly contradict the Trump administration.
Having a father who came to the United States as a political refugee from China, Alysa’s family has faced backlash from both the American and Chinese governments. This has caused Alysa to be a strong advocate for immigrant rights. Specifically, in an interview with The Rolling Stone, Alysa Liu states how coming from an immigrant family has shaped her beliefs and course of action. Attending many protests, including more recently ICE protests. Using her fame as a way to show the importance of unity and speaking out for basic human rights.
On top of immigrant rights, she also highlights what it means for her to represent her country. Whenever she is out competing, representing the United States, she doesn’t feel like she represents the government. Rather, she represents the hometown she grew up in and minorities just like her. Whenever the national anthem plays, she doesn’t think about the people in control. Instead, her mind drifted to her teammates and the federation. Her sole purpose for competing is to represent something greater than herself.
Ultimately, the future of the Olympics may depend on the acknowledgment of athletes being more of an individual rather than the embodiment of a nation. By viewing them as people with individualistic values, we can foster a unity that can transcend national boundaries.
Works Cited
Holland, Hannah. “Olympic figure skaters Alysa Liu and Amber Glenn are pushing boundaries for all women.” MS NOW, 8 February 2026, https://www.ms.now/opinion/olympics-figure-skaters-alysa-liu-amber-glenn-women-politics. Accessed 19 April 2026.
Stone, The Rolling. The Unlikely Path of Alysa Liu. A video showing the interview Olympic Figure Skater, Alysa Liu, had with The Rolling Stone. The Rolling Stone, March 2026.
“30 Alysa Liu Quotes (Gold Medal Words of Wisdom for Figure Skating and Life).” The Chic Life, 28 February 2026, https://thechiclife.com/2026/02/alysa-liu-quotes.html. Accessed 19 April 2026.