By Mallory Mattingly
Ottawa Senators and Team USA hockey player Brady Tkachuk couldn’t be more “honored” to represent his country at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
“I mean, being able to represent the US at this stage in the Olympics is one of the greatest honors that I’ve ever had,” Tkachuk declared in an interview shared by Jonny Root on X. “So truly grateful to be here represent the red, white and blue.”
“I think it kind of means the world. It’s really like a whirlwind of emotions, flying here this morning, hanging out in the village all day, and then, you know, getting fitted for our clothes,” he continued. “And, you know, just meeting athletes, and then coming here and practicing, and now it’s all like, Oh my gosh. Like, day one’s over. Like, it’s kind of crazy. So really enjoying the experience so far and having a lot of fun.”
“Being able to represent the US at this stage in the Olympics is one of the greatest honors I’ve ever had”
– Ottawa Senators & Team USA Hockey Hockey Player Brady TkachukIt’s refreshing to hear athletes proud to represent America, rather than bash it👏
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— Jon Root (@JonnyRoot_) February 10, 2026
Tkachuk’s remarks come as a sign of hope after one Team USA freestyle skier shared some of his dislikes of the U.S. on live television.
“I love the USA. I would never want to represent a different country in the Olympics. With that being said, a lot of times, athletes are hesitant to talk about political views and how we feel about things,” two-time Olympian and Olympic gold medalist Chris Lillis said, per Fox News Digital.
“I feel heartbroken about what’s happening in the United States. I’m pretty sure you’re referencing ICE and some of the protests and things like that,” he added. “I think that, as a country, we need to focus on respecting everybody’s rights and making sure that we’re treating our citizens as well as anybody, with love and respect. I hope that when people look at athletes compete in the Olympics, they realize that that’s the America we’re trying to represent.”
First-time Olympian Hunter Hess shared similar sentiments, saying, “It brings up mixed emotions to represent the U.S. right now, I think. It’s a little hard. There’s obviously a lot going on that I’m not the biggest fan of, and I think a lot of people aren’t.”
“I think, for me, it’s more I’m representing my friends and family back home, the people that represented it before me, all the things that I believe are good about the U.S. If it aligns with my moral values, I feel like I’m representing it,” he continued. “Just because I’m wearing the flag doesn’t mean I represent everything that’s going on in the U.S. I just kind of want to do it for my friends and my family and the people that support me getting here.”
Hess recently backtracked on his remarks to ensure the public knew he loves his country.
“There is so much that is great about America, but there are always things that could be better. One of the many things that makes this country so amazing is that we have the right and the freedom to point that out. The best part of the Olympics is that it brings people together, and when so many of us are divided, we need that more than ever. I cannot wait to represent Team USA next week when I compete,” Hess wrote on Instagram.
Together, the comments from these athletes provide a big picture of what it means to wear the USA Flag on their chest at the Olympics. It shows their patriotism but also shows their right to freedom of speech.
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