Utah Governor Spencer Cox firmly rejected criticism and labels aimed at U.S. team athletes, addressing tensions between the White House and the sports world during a press conference of the Utah 2034 Winter Games Organizing Committee.
Answering questions from alanews on political controversies and the impact of the president on relations with athletes, Cox stressed the value of freedom of expression in the United States while reiterating the need for unity: “We live in a country where everyone can express their point of view—governors, presidents, athletes, citizens. In a time of deep divisions, sport represents an opportunity to bring people together.”
Pressed on images and criticism from Europe portraying the United States as a less welcoming country—at odds with the values of sport and the Olympic Games—the governor urged a distinction between political debate and everyday reality: “What you see in the news is not the only thing happening in our country. Come visit Utah and the rest of the United States: they are welcoming places. There are differences of opinion on how laws are implemented, but they will be addressed democratically, including through elections.”
Asked directly by Reuters about remarks by the president that allegedly labeled some athletes—who had distanced themselves from current U.S. policies—as “losers,” Cox was unequivocal: “We love our athletes and we are proud of them. Reaching this level requires enormous sacrifice. Not just for Americans—we see athletes from all over the world pursuing the same dream.”
Reinforcing the institutional stance, Sarah Hirshland, CEO of the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee, emphasized the need to contextualize political statements and confirmed contacts with the administration: “I am confident that all members of Team USA are here to proudly represent their country.”
