Hunter Hess American freestyle skier Hunter Hess after placing second in the half-pipe event at the U.S. Grand Prix, held at Copper Mountain, Colorado, on December 20, 2025. (more) U.S. Athletes Speaking Out at the 2026 Winter Olympics Written and fact-checked by Britannica Editors Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... Britannica Editors Last updated Feb. 10, 2026 •History The modern Olympic Games are intended to promote not only amazing human athletic achievements but also international cooperation, peace, and goodwill. In the words of the International Olympic Committee, these ideals, called “Olympism,” aim “to create a way of life based on the joy found in effort, the educational value of good example and respect for universal fundamental ethical principles.” That’s the high-minded, idealistic hope. In reality, from the very first modern Olympic Games in...

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