American Winter Olympians emphasised the facility of range and free speech following U.S. President Donald Trump’s label of skier Hunter Hess as a “actual loser” for sharing blended emotions about representing the nation on the 2026 Olympics.
Hess Shares Blended Feelings on Nationwide Illustration
Throughout a press convention final week in Livigno, Hess mentioned the challenges of donning the U.S. flag amid ongoing protests and violence sparked by ICE brokers fatally taking pictures two people in Minneapolis final month.
“There’s clearly rather a lot occurring that I’m not the most important fan of, and I believe lots of people aren’t,” Hess acknowledged. “Simply because I’m sporting the flag doesn’t imply I signify every part that’s occurring within the U.S.”
Trump responded on Reality Social, asserting that Hess “shouldn’t have tried out for the workforce, and it’s too unhealthy he’s in it,” including it was “very onerous to root for somebody like this.”
Teammates Rally for Unity and Injustice Consciousness
The U.S. halfpipe workforce addressed Trump’s remarks throughout a Monday press convention in Livigno. Maddie Mastro pressured the necessity to converse out in opposition to injustice.
“I’m proud to signify Staff USA and my nation,” Mastro mentioned. “I’m additionally saddened with what’s occurring at dwelling. It’s actually robust, and I really feel like we will’t flip a blind eye to that. However on the similar time, I signify a rustic that has the identical values as mine of kindness and compassion, and we come collectively in instances of injustice.”
Bea Kim, whose grandparents immigrated from Korea, highlighted nationwide strengths.
“I personally am very proud to signify america,” Kim famous. “That being mentioned, I believe range is what makes us a really robust nation and what makes us so particular. I don’t assume there’s anyplace else on this planet the place you possibly can actually have the chance to do no matter you need. I imply, I believe the 4 of us sitting right here at present are an instance of that. All of us got here from very completely different backgrounds…and all of us acquired to simply chase our desires and be right here.”
Chloe Kim, a two-time Olympic halfpipe champion with dad and mom from South Korea, echoed these sentiments.
“Clearly, my dad and mom being immigrants, this one undoubtedly hits fairly near dwelling,” Kim mentioned. “And I believe in moments like these, it’s actually essential for us to unite and form of get up for each other, for all that’s occurring. I believe that I’m actually proud to signify america. The U.S. has given my household and I a lot alternative, however I additionally assume that we’re allowed to voice our opinions on what’s occurring, and I believe that we have to lead with love and compassion and I’d like to see some extra of that.”
Vance Faces Protests at Milano Cortina Video games
U.S. Vice President JD Vance encountered backlash from Italian locals throughout the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. Protests focused his attendance alongside ICE brokers, culminating in boos from the group at San Siro Stadium throughout the opening ceremony when Vance appeared on display screen.
