American freestyle skier Hunter Hess has hit back at Donald Trump after the president called him a “real loser.”
Trump, 79, lashed out at the 27-year-old after he admitted to having “mixed emotions” about representing the United States at the Winter Olympics, adding to a growing number of Team USA athletes who have spoken out against the administration’s policies.
“I think it brings up mixed emotions to represent the U.S. right now, I think. It’s a little hard. There’s obviously a lot going on that I’m not the biggest fan of, and I think a lot of people aren’t. I think for me it’s more I’m representing my, like, friends and family back home, the people that represented it before me, all the things that I believe are good about the U.S.,” Hess said.
“I just think, if it aligns with my moral values, I feel like I’m representing it. Just because I’m wearing the flag doesn’t mean I represent everything that’s going on in the U.S.,” he continued. “So yeah, I just kind of want to do it like for my friends and my family and the people that supported me getting here.”
That prompted Trump to call Hess “a real Loser,” saying it’s “Very hard to root for someone like this. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”
On Monday, Hess responded to Trump’s comments in an Instagram post. “I love my country,” he said. “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.”
He added: “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.”
A number of athletes have shared their views about Trump and recent political developments over the past few weeks.
Freestyle skier Chris Lillis said he loves the country but is “heartbroken” and stressed respect for everyone’s rights. First-time Olympian Amber Glenn called on athletes to use their platforms to speak on issues affecting daily life, including struggles faced by the LGBTQ community.
Olympic skier Gus Kenworthy shared an Instagram post that read “F--- ICE,” which Kenworthy later confirmed was written in urine. In the caption, he explained his protest: “We can’t wait around while ICE continues to operate with unchecked power in our communities.”
He said he received death threats for the post.
The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee has said athletes are facing increasing abusive messages, and credible threats are being reported to law enforcement.
When questioned about whether Hess requires additional protection following Trump’s outburst, International Olympic Committee spokesperson Mark Adams declined to comment on security matters.
