Gus Kenworthy posts anti-ICE urine protest ahead of Milan Winter Olympics
Olympic skier Gus Kenworthy has drawn attention after posting a graphic anti-ICE message written in the snow ahead of the Winter Olympics.
Freestyle skier Gus Kenworthy, who is set to represent Team Great Britain at the 2026 Winter Olympics after switching from Team USA, drew attention after writing a political message in the snow using urine.
In a post shared with his 1.2 million Instagram followers, Kenworthy uploaded an image showing the words “F*** ice” scrawled in yellow across the snow. The athlete later confirmed the message had been written with urine.
In a message accompanying the post, Kenworthy wrote: “You can call your senator … to speak up against ICE and put pressure on them during the current DHS funding negotiations.”
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.The 34-year-old skier followed the post with a second message referencing the stunt.
“My last post was pee so it only felt appropriate to follow it up with a lil’ dump… of photos from January. Yes, I’m a child.”
The timing of Kenworthy’s protest is notable.
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement personnel are expected to be present in Milan as part of security arrangements surrounding the American delegation, which will be led by US Vice President JD Vance during the Games’ opening ceremony, Deadline reported.
Despite the overt political message, Kenworthy is not facing disciplinary action. Olympic rules prohibit athletes from making political demonstrations during competition settings, but social media activity falls outside that scope.
The International Olympic Committee told the media: “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.”
Milan-Cortina will mark Kenworthy’s fourth Olympic appearance. Born in Britain to an American father, he moved to Colorado as a child and initially represented the United States, winning silver in slopestyle at the 2014 Sochi Games.
He later switched allegiance to Great Britain, competing under the British flag in Beijing in 2022 and continuing that partnership into the next Olympic cycle.
Outside of skiing, Kenworthy has built a public profile that extends into entertainment, including acting roles and advocacy work. He was among the first high-profile athletes in extreme sports to publicly come out as gay and remains an outspoken figure on social and political issues.
