Team GB Skier's Graphic Anti-ICE Protest at Winter Olympics Ignites Debate
Freestyle skier Gus Kenworthy, representing Team Great Britain, has stirred significant controversy at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, Italy, by posting a graphic political message created with his urine in the snow. The explicit anti-ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) protest, shared on his personal Instagram account to over 1.3 million followers, has drawn both praise and sharp criticism online, yet Olympic officials confirm he will face no disciplinary action under the Games' regulations.
Explicit Social Media Post and Political Call to Action
Shortly after arriving in Italy ahead of the Games' official opening on Friday, Kenworthy uploaded a photo showing the words "f--- ICE" written in snow, which he disclosed was formed using his urine. In the accompanying caption, he urged his followers to take political action, specifically calling on them to contact U.S. Senators at (202) 224-3121 to oppose ICE during ongoing Department of Homeland Security funding negotiations. He cited allegations linking the agency to deaths in Minneapolis, amplifying the message's urgency.
The skier later reinforced his stance with a follow-up post on Friday morning, humorously referring to his initial protest as "pee" and describing the new upload as a "lil' dump" of photos from January, adding, "Yes, I am a child." This series of posts quickly went viral, fueling heated discussions across social media platforms about the appropriateness of such demonstrations at the Olympics.
Context of ICE Presence and Local Backlash in Milan
Kenworthy's protest occurred against a backdrop of heightened tensions regarding the presence of U.S. ICE agents in Milan. The issue gained prominence after Milan mayor Giuseppe Sala publicly criticized ICE following reports that federal agents would be stationed at Olympic venues as part of security arrangements for the Games. The backlash was so intense that Team USA reportedly renamed its hospitality headquarters, previously known as "The Ice House," to avoid association.
Further complicating matters, ICE agents were in Milan as part of the security detail for U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who attended the opening ceremony. Concurrently, protests erupted in the city, with demonstrators carrying banners bearing messages like "ICE out" and "Fuck ICE," mirroring Kenworthy's sentiments and highlighting the divisive nature of the issue.
Olympic Rules and Lack of Sanctions Explained
Despite the uproar, Kenworthy will not be sanctioned under Rule 50.2 of the Olympic Charter, which explicitly prohibits demonstrations or political, religious, or racial propaganda in Olympic sites, venues, or other areas. An International Olympic Committee media spokesperson clarified that the act itself was not carried out inside an Olympic venue, and the message was shared on personal social media, falling outside the scope of the rule.
The spokesperson stated, "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." This decision underscores the IOC's stance on balancing athlete expression with venue-specific regulations, allowing for personal activism while maintaining neutrality within official Olympic spaces.
Kenworthy's Background and History of Activism
Born in Chelmsford, England, Kenworthy moved to Colorado at age two when his family emigrated to the United States. He initially competed for Team USA at the 2014 and 2018 Winter Olympics before switching allegiance to Team GB ahead of the Beijing Games in 2022, where he finished eighth. Despite representing Britain, he continues to reside in the U.S., blending his dual heritage into his advocacy.
This incident is not Kenworthy's first foray into political activism at the Olympics. Ahead of the 2022 Beijing Games, he openly criticized the decision to host in China, citing concerns over the country's human rights record and treatment of the LGBTQ+ community. His consistent use of the Olympic platform for social and political commentary reflects a broader trend of athlete activism in international sports, challenging traditional norms and sparking global conversations.
