American freestyle skier Hunter Hess has ignited a political firestorm after expressing conflicted feelings about representing the United States at the Winter Olympics, prompting a sharp rebuke from former President Donald Trump and a cautionary message from fellow skier Eileen Gu.
Controversial Comments Spark White House Outrage
Hunter Hess, a prominent figure in freestyle skiing, caused significant controversy last week when he told reporters in Italy that he felt "mixed emotions" about wearing the Team USA uniform. His comments came against a backdrop of political tension, specifically referencing ICE raids in Minnesota that resulted in two fatalities. Hess stated, "It brings up mixed emotions to represent the U.S. right now. There's obviously a lot going on that I'm not the biggest fan of."
Trump's Furious Response on Social Media
Donald Trump quickly responded on his Truth Social platform, branding Hess "a real loser" and declaring he would not support the skier during his scheduled freestyle skiing events on February 19-20. The former president's harsh criticism added fuel to an already heated debate about patriotism and politics in sports.
Eileen Gu Offers Sympathy and Warning
Eileen Gu, the Olympic skier who herself faced intense scrutiny for choosing to represent China despite being raised in California, has weighed in on the controversy. Gu described Hess's situation as "an unwinnable press war" and expressed sympathy for athletes caught in political crossfires.
"I'm sorry that the headline that is eclipsing the Olympics has to be something so unrelated to the spirit of the Games," Gu said. "It really runs contrary to everything the Olympics should be. As someone who's been caught in the crossfire before, I feel sorry for the athletes."
The True Spirit of Olympic Competition
Gu emphasized the unifying power of sports, stating: "The whole point of sport is to bring people together. One of the very few common languages, that of the human body, that of the human spirit, the competitive spirit, the capacity to break not only records, but especially in our sport, literally the human limit. How wonderful is that?"
Hess's Shift in Tone and Message
Following the backlash and Gu's intervention, Hunter Hess appears to have moderated his stance. On Monday, he posted on Instagram alongside a USA flag emoji: "I love my country. There is so much that is great about America, but there are always things that could be better."
He continued: "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."
From Conflict to Commitment
This marked a significant shift from Hess's earlier comments, where he had suggested he was primarily representing "my friends and family back home" rather than the nation as a whole. He had previously explained: "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."
Olympic Action Continues Amid Controversy
As this political drama unfolds, both athletes remain focused on their Olympic competitions. Eileen Gu returns to action on Saturday, February 14 in the Big Air event, while Hunter Hess prepares for his freestyle skiing events later in the week. The controversy highlights the ongoing tension between sports, politics, and national identity on the world's biggest athletic stage.
