Only weeks ago, the Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo Olympics came to a close. From upsets and heartbreak to global politics and scandals, these Olympics had it all. Controversy arose early in the Olympics, when various USA Ski Team athletes spoke up about the difficulties of representing the United States during such a divided time. In an early press conference, halfpipe freeskier Hunter Hess expressed in an article on Britannica.com, “It brings up mixed emotions to represent the U.S. right now, I think.” Hess’s quote was in reference to the violence and tensions engulfing the US in early February. The recent shootings of Alex Pretti and Renee Good, and the rise of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) presence across Minnesota, brought about protests and calls for action. Hess continued by stating in the Guardian, “There’s obviously a lot going on that I’m not the biggest fan of, and I think a lot of people aren’t.” He added, “I think for me it’s more I’m representing my friends and family back home, the people that represented it before me, all the things that I believe are good about the US.… Just because I’m wearing the flag doesn’t mean I represent everything that’s going on in the US.” Hess’s comment received immediate backlash and attention from the United States and around the world. Some supported his comments, while others were offended and questioned his morals and standing to represent the United States.
The quotes reached such a large audience that government officials and leaders were chiming in. At the highest level, US President Donald Trump voiced his opinion through his social media platform “Truth Social” writing, “U.S. Olympic Skier Hunter Hess, a real Loser, says he doesn’t represent his Country in the current Winter Olympics,” Trump wrote. “If that’s the case, he shouldn’t have tried out for the Team, and it’s too bad he’s on it. Very hard to root for someone like this.” Hess’s initial comment and the President’s response sent shockwaves across the internet, with many expressing support or disapproval. US Senator Bernie Sanders voiced his opinion through Instagram and X, writing, “Trump called American Olympian Hunter Hess a ‘real loser’ for criticizing what’s happening in our country under Trump…. Mr. President, this is not a monarchy. This is the United States, and no one is required to bow down to you…. Hess is not a loser. He’s a proud American.”
US Teammates Chloe and Bea Kim, Svea Irving, and Alex Ferreira also expressed their support and respect towards Hess. When asked about Trump’s comments towards her teammate, three- time Olympic medalist and halfpipe snowboarder Chloe Kim responded in an article by Britannica stating, “My parents being immigrants, this one definitely hits pretty close to home…. The U.S. has given my family and I so much opportunity, but I also think that we are allowed to voice our opinions on what’s going on, and…we need to lead with love and compassion.” After a brief social media break, Hess took to Instagram and responded to the situation, writing, “I love my country…but there are always things that could be better. One of the many things that makes this country so amazing is that we have the right and the freedom to point that out. The best part of the Olympics is that it brings people together, and when so many of us are divided, we need that more than ever.”
Twelve days later, Hess competed in the men’s superpipe Olympic qualifying events and qualified fifth overall. During one of his qualifying runs, Hess flashed a “L” —for Loser— sign upon his forehead with his hand, a gesture towards President Trump’s remarks. Additionally, he updated his Instagram profile and added “a real loser” to his bio. The controversy has helped Hess gain new attention, drawing over 60k additional social media followers. Prior to the Olympics, Hess had fewer than 30k followers, and as of early March his follower count stands above 90k.
Unfortunately, the newfound attention did not translate into a podium finish, and Hess finished 10th. Later, Hess revealed through Instagram that during one of the practice sessions, he had suffered an unexpected fall resulting in a broken wrist and a hematoma on his hip. He further wrote on Instagram stating, “This is no excuse for my poor performance, but it was an honor to represent @teamusa.” Though Hess did not end standing on the podium, he stood true to his word and beliefs, demonstrating resilience, integrity, and honesty on the world’s biggest stage.
