Donald Trump’s remarks about Greenland cast an unexpected shadow over the Winter Olympics, producing protests in Milan and tense moments near the Olympic village. But for Greenland’s two athletes at the Games, the response has been measured and focused on home rather than headline-grabbing rhetoric.
Sondre Slettemark, who finished 62nd in the men’s 20-kilometer biathlon, said he has little interest in addressing Trump directly. Instead he urged Americans who feel unrepresented to engage with their own political system — contact senators and representatives, protest and demand accountability — noting that the presidency does not make one a dictator.
His sister Ukaleq, who placed 52nd in the women’s 15-kilometer biathlon, emphasized Greenland’s independence and identity. Although both siblings race under Denmark’s banner — because Greenland does not yet have its own Olympic committee — they see themselves as representatives of Denmark, Greenland and the Faroe Islands on the world stage. Ukaleq made clear that Greenland’s future and culture are not for sale.
The Slettemarks are essentially Greenland’s entire biathlon team. Their mother, Uiloq, founded and leads the local biathlon federation, and their father, Øystein — who once competed for Denmark himself — helped build the sport in Greenland. Biathlon remains small and underdeveloped in the territory: there are tracks but no shooting range, and much of the sport’s growth came from the family’s efforts. Ukaleq recalls traveling with her parents to World Cup and IBU Cup events from the time she was a toddler.
Family ties and community values shape how the siblings view threats to their island. Talk of selling or seizing Greenland alarms many residents, who worry about exploitation of natural resources and erosion of traditional ways of life. For the Slettemarks, Greenlandic culture sees people as part of nature rather than masters of it, and that worldview makes the idea of mining or heavy industrial development deeply troubling.
‘I’m afraid to lose our beautiful country,’ Ukaleq said, expressing concern about untouched landscapes, mountains, rivers and seas being altered by outside interests.
At the Olympics, the siblings hope to use their visibility to draw attention to Greenland’s distinct culture and fragile environment and to push back against efforts that could change the island’s way of life. For now, they remain athletes first — focused on competition — but determined to make clear that Greenland’s identity and future belong to its people.