Team USA bobsledder Jasmine Jones is making history at the Winter Olympics by representing the nation in two different uniforms. Jones serves as an active-duty member of the U.S. Air Force and a world-class athlete. While some of her teammates have used the global stage to air political grievances, Jones expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to serve her country.
"I’m thankful for being an airman and representing my country in that aspect," Jones told Fox News. She joined the Air Force in April 2023 after narrowly missing the cut for the 2022 Beijing Games. Her enlistment allowed her to join the World Class Athlete Program (WCAP), an elite initiative for top-tier military personnel in the Air Force and Space Force.
Jones credited her military background for the discipline and resilience required to compete at the highest level of bobsledding. She noted that waking up early for basic training and following orders provided the mental toughness needed for the grueling Olympic schedule. "You’re getting that discipline needed, and that goes into bobsled," she explained.
Her patriotic stance stands in sharp contrast to other members of Team USA who have sparked backlash during the 2026 Games. Freestyle skiers Hunter Hess and Chris Lillis both made headlines for attempting to distance themselves from the Trump administration. Hess claimed that wearing the American flag "doesn't mean I represent everything that's going on in the U.S."
Lillis echoed those sentiments, stating he was "heartbroken" over current domestic policies, including immigration enforcement. These remarks have triggered intense criticism from conservative leaders back home who argue that the Olympics should be about national unity. Vice President JD Vance previously warned athletes that they should expect pushback when they "pop off about politics" on foreign soil.+1
Despite the political friction within the team, many athletes continue to voice their pride in the stars and stripes. Hockey star Brady Tkachuk recently described representing the U.S. at the Olympics as "one of the greatest honors" of his life. For Airman Jones, the focus remains on the mission at hand and honoring the two institutions she serves.