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LIVIGNO, Italy — Hunter Hess navigated a whirlwind of emotions and external pressure to deliver a strong performance in the freeski halfpipe qualifying rounds at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics on Friday. The 27-year-old American’s journey to the Games was unexpectedly thrust into the political spotlight after former President Donald Trump publicly criticized Hess following comments the skier made about the complexities of representing the United States.
Hess’s initial remarks, made during a press conference, expressed a sense of “mixed emotions” about representing the country given the current political climate. Trump responded on social media on February 8, calling Hess “a real loser” and questioning whether it would be simple to support him. The ensuing backlash took a significant toll on the athlete, but Hess channeled the negativity into motivation, advancing to the evening’s final with a confident showing.
“It was probably the hardest two weeks of my life,” Hess admitted after his qualifying runs in Livigno. “I’ve never been subject to that type of criticism before.” Despite the emotional strain, Hess aced both of his qualifying runs, securing his place in the final and demonstrating resilience in the face of adversity. He even subtly acknowledged the situation, forming the letter “L” with his hands after his first run and updating his Instagram bio to read, “A real loser.”
The outpouring of support from teammates and the broader Team USA community proved crucial in helping Hess regain his focus. “Team USA has really helped me get back on my feet,” Hess said, adding that messages from friends, family, and supporters from his hometown of Bend, Oregon, “meant the world to me.”
Navigating Criticism and Injury
Hess’s qualifying score of 85.00, an improvement over his first run of 82.75, placed him fifth overall among 25 competitors. All four American men – Hess, Nick Goepper, Birk Irving, and Alex Ferreira – qualified for the 12-man final, showcasing the strength of the U.S. Freeski team. Reuters reported that Hess used the label given to him by Trump as motivation.
However, Hess’s path to the final wasn’t without physical challenges. He recently suffered a hematoma in his right hip, requiring a blood drain on Thursday night. An MRI too revealed bone bruising in his shoulder, and he continues to manage persistent knee pain throughout the ski season. He even admitted there was a possibility he had broken his hand. Despite these injuries, Hess persevered, demonstrating remarkable determination.
Team Support and Broader Olympic Context
Hess wasn’t the only athlete facing external pressures at the Games. Teammate Gus Kenworthy, now representing Great Britain after previously skiing for the United States, spoke out against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and reported receiving threats on social media, according to BBC Sport. Both Hess and Kenworthy’s experiences highlight the increasing intersection of politics and sport at the international level.
Fellow American skiers Chloe Kim and Eileen Gu also voiced their support for Hess. Gu, a five-time Olympic medalist representing China, emphasized the unifying power of sport, stating, “The whole point of sport is to bring people together.” She added that she sympathized with Hess, having faced similar scrutiny herself in the past.
Goepper, a four-time Olympian and three-time medalist, praised Hess’s handling of the situation, noting the overwhelming support he received from within Team USA. “I just think from a human level, it’s been a lot of exceptionally big love and support for Hunter,” Goepper said. “I’m impressed with how he’s handled all that.”
Looking Ahead to the Final
Despite the challenging circumstances, Hess remains focused on the competition. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to represent the United States and emphasized his commitment to making his friends, family, and country proud. “I’m just so, so lucky to be here in the first place and to be representing Team USA,” he said.
The men’s freeski halfpipe final is scheduled for Friday evening in Livigno. Hess and his American teammates will aim to contend for a medal, capping off a remarkable week that has been defined by both athletic achievement and resilience in the face of adversity. The qualification round being moved to the same day as the final due to heavy snowfall added another layer of complexity, a situation Hess hadn’t faced since he was approximately 12 years old.
Hess’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the human element within the high-stakes world of Olympic competition, and the importance of support and perseverance when facing unexpected challenges.
What are your thoughts on the intersection of politics and sports? Share your opinions in the comments below.
