Olympic freestyle skier Hunter Hess has responded to the backlash — including from President Trump — over his comments last week about his “mixed emotions” representing the United States in Milan.
Trump branded Hess “a real loser” on Truth Social after the 27-year-old Oregon native said that he is competing for his “family and the people that support me getting here” because he’s “not the biggest fan…of everything going on” in America.
“I love my country,” Hess wrote Monday in a social media post. “There is so much that is great about America, 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. I cannot wait to represent Team USA next week when I compete. Thanks to everyone for their support.”
Hess’ initial comments came following the Opening Ceremonies on Friday.
“It brings up mixed emotions to represent the U.S. right now, I think. It’s a little hard,” Hess had said. “There’s obviously a lot that I’m not the biggest fan of and I think a lot of people aren’t.
“If it aligns with my moral values I feel like I’m representing it – just because I wear the flag doesn’t mean I represent everything that’s going on in the U.S.”
Added fellow skier Chris Lillis: “I feel like as a country we need to focus on respecting everybody’s rights and making sure that we’re treating our citizens, as well as anybody, with love and respect. I hope that when people look at athletes competing in the Olympics they realize that’s the America we’re trying to represent.”
U.S. snowboarders such as women’s halfpipe champion Maddie Maestro stressed she is “proud” to represent the U.S., although she added she’s “also saddened with what’s happening” at home.
“It’s really tough,” Maestro said. “I feel like we can’t turn a blind eye to that. But at the same time, I represent a country that has the same values as mine, of kindness and compassion. And we come together in times of injustice.”