After being on the receiving end of President Donald Trump‘s ire for expressing “mixed emotions” about representing the United States as an Olympian, freestyle skier Hunter Hess has reiterated messages of unity and freedom of speech.
Last Friday, during a press conference, the two-time Winter X Games bronze medalist admitted he was “not the biggest fan” of the state of U.S. politics, which led the POTUS to call him a “real loser.”
“I love my country 🇺🇸,” Hess clarified in an Instagram post shared today. “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 continued, “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.”
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Hess was not alone in critiquing the country over its brutal immigration policies and general authoritarian rise, as fellow members of Team USA — like figure skater and recently minted team gold medalist Amber Glenn and fellow freestyle competitor Gus Kenworthy — shared similar grievances. After her statement, Glenn shared she was forced to limit her social media usage following “threats” over her words. Meanwhile, Kenworthy opted for a more blunt message, urinating “Fuck ICE” on the snow, and posting a photo of it to Instagram — a move that also garnered him death threats, he said earlier today.
Hess was also backed up by Team USA snowboarders like Bea Kim, Maddie Mastro and Chloe Kim. When asked to weigh in on Trump’s bullying comments toward Hess, the trio championed values of diversity, compassion and kindness.
“There are a lot of different opinions in the U.S. right now,” Bea Kim said, in part. “Obviously, we’re very divided. I personally am very proud to represent the United States. That being said, I think diversity is what makes us a very strong country and what makes us so special.”
Maddie Mastro said she was proud to represent the United States, but she’s “also saddened with what’s happening at home. It’s really tough. 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.”
Chloe Kim added, “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 I think that we need to lead with love and compassion.”