Patriotism on Ice: Air Force Olympian Kelly Curtis Defends Team USA’s Right to Differ at Milan Cortina

She may not have reached the podium in women’s skeleton, but U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant Kelly Curtis considers herself a winner simply by wearing the stars and stripes at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics. In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, the military Olympian expressed profound pride in representing both her nation and the U.S. Air Force on the world stage, even as a political undercurrent flows through the Games. “Whenever I put on the uniform that says the USA, I’m proud to represent both my country and the U.S. Air Force,” Curtis stated. “But to have it on the Olympic stage just makes it that much more special.” Her unwavering patriotism stands in stark contrast to some fellow American athletes who have used their platforms in Italy to voice criticism of the current state of the nation under President Donald Trump, creating an unexpected dynamic among Team USA competitors .

Despite the differing viewpoints, Curtis, a loyal defender of the Constitution, insists she will staunchly defend her teammates’ right to express themselves. “I love the first amendment, and I love that I get to defend the country in whatever way I do on behalf of the first amendment,” she affirmed. “My fellow Olympian teammates have the right to speak whatever they want, and I will defend their right to do so.” Her comments come as athletes like skiers Hunter Hess and Mikaela Shiffrin have made headlines for their critical statements, while Curtis and fellow Air Force Olympian Jasmine Jones, along with hockey stars Brady Tkachuk and Quinn Hughes, have chosen to focus their public remarks on pride and praise for their homeland . Now finished with her individual competition, Curtis has turned her attention to cheering on Jones and Kaillie Humphries in women’s bobsled, where the duo holds a strong position to challenge the dominant German teams for a medal. As two of only a handful of Air Force members competing, Curtis hopes their presence in Milan Cortina will inspire growth in the military’s winter sports program, paving the way for more airmen to trade their bases for the Games in 2030.