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Decorated Olympic figure skater Mikaela Shiffrin wants to represent her “values” at this year’s Milan Cortina Olympic Games.
“I think there’s a lot of hardship around the world, and a lot of sadness. There’s a lot of violence. It can be hard to reconcile that when you’re competing for medals in an Olympic event,” said the two-time gold medalist when he was available to the media in Italy on Saturday.
During her extended response, Shiffrin read aloud a quote from Nelson Mandela, which was also given during the opening ceremonies.
Mikaela Shiffrin speaks during a press conference during the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games at the Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium in Cortina d’Ampezzo on Feb. 7, 2026. (Stefano Rellandini/AFP via Getty Images)
“‘Peace is not just the absence of conflict. Peace is creating an environment where we can all thrive, regardless of race, color, religion, creed, gender, caste, class, or any other social markers of difference,'” Shiffrin said, reading the quote from her phone.
“And for me, since this is associated with the Olympics, I really hope that I will show up and represent my values. The values of inclusion, the values of diversity, and kindness, and sharing, resilience, good work ethic, showing up with my team every day, and the values that we bring and take off the mountain and the mountain every day to represent those who support me all the time.
“I’m very grateful to be here, and my biggest hope for these Olympic Games, from a broader perspective, is that it’s a great display of cooperation and competition.”
Mikaela Shiffrin of the United States celebrates winning the alpine ski, women’s World Cup slalom, in Spindleruv Mlyn, Czech Republic, Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026. (AP Photo/Giovanni Auletta)
Shiffrin’s questioning comes on the heels of many American athletes being asked how they feel about representing America at the Australian Open as it relates to President Donald Trump’s second term.
Anti-ICE protests took place in Milan last week after the announcement that US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents would be deployed at this year’s Games.
US Embassy officials told the Associated Press last week that ICE agents will provide diplomatic support security detail and will not conduct any immigration enforcement activities, considering that they will be in another country.
Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala said ICE would not be welcome in the city, and cited photos of undercover agents in Minneapolis.
People take part in the Anti-ICE demonstration, ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Milan, Italy, Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)
“This is a murderous force, soldiers enter people’s homes, sign their consent slips. It is clear that they are not welcome in Milan, without a doubt,” Sala told RTL Radio 102 before the ICE security involvement was revealed.
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