British freestyle skier Gus Kenworthy has publicly detailed the "awful" torrent of abuse and vitriol he has received after using his social media platform to criticise the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, known as ICE. The Olympian, who was born in Chelmsford but resides in the US, posted a graphic message in the snow expressing his stance, which subsequently went viral.
Olympian Targeted with Vile Messages and Threats
In a follow-up video posted to his Instagram account, the 34-year-old athlete explained his reasoning and revealed the shocking nature of the responses. Kenworthy described receiving a deluge of messages, many supportive, but a significant portion containing extreme vitriol. He reported being told to kill himself, receiving direct threats, and having people wish for him to suffer severe injuries like blowing his knee or breaking his neck during his Olympic event. The skier also stated he was subjected to hateful slurs, characterising the backlash as "insane."
Standing Up for Beliefs Despite Backlash
"Maybe that's the price you pay for speaking up and using your platform," Kenworthy reflected in his emotional video, acknowledging that his statement might invite further hate. "But I think it's important to say what we feel and stand up for what we believe in and stand up to injustice." He emphasised his dual heritage, competing for Great Britain to honour his British mother while caring deeply about the United States, where he lives and for which he won a silver medal in previous Olympics.
Kenworthy directly addressed his criticism of ICE, stating unequivocally, "I do not support ICE and I think it's absolutely evil and awful and terrifying." He argued that the agency's actions often ensnare US citizens and primarily target good, hardworking, nonviolent individuals without criminal histories who came to America seeking a better life. "That is literally the foundation story of the US," he asserted. "We are a country of immigrants, that's the American dream and I think people forget that sometimes."
Praise for Fellow Athletes Using Their Platforms
The skier also praised other US athletes, like halfpipe skier Hunter Hess and Alpine skier Mikaela Shiffrin, for using their platforms to voice opinions on various issues. Hess was previously branded a "real loser" by former US President Donald Trump after speaking out, while Shiffrin has highlighted "global hardship" and "violence," promoting values of "inclusivity, diversity, and kindness" at the Olympics.
Kenworthy concluded by explaining his nuanced position, stating a person "can love the US, be proud to be an American and still think it can be better." His decision to speak out, despite the anticipated and received abuse, underscores a growing trend of athletes engaging with politically and socially charged topics, often at significant personal cost.
