Olympic Athletes Unite in Support of Hunter Hess Following Trump's Criticism
American-born freeskier Eileen Gu, who competes for China, secured a silver medal in slopestyle on Monday, but her post-race comments focused on a brewing controversy off the slopes. Gu expressed sympathy for fellow athlete Hunter Hess, who faced a sharp attack from former President Donald Trump after Hess voiced ambivalence about representing the United States amid an immigration crackdown.
Gu and Kim Voice Solidarity with Hess
Gu revealed she had been in contact with Hess, who told her she was one of the few people who could understand his predicament. "As someone who's been caught in the crossfire before, I feel sorry for the athletes," said Gu, whose decision to ski for China has made her a polarizing figure. She described the situation as "an unwinnable press war" for Hess and lamented that the dispute could distract from the Olympic spirit.
Chloe Kim, a two-time Olympic gold medalist with South Korean immigrant parents, also weighed in. "I think in moments like these, it is really important for us to unite and kind of stand up for one another for all that's going on," Kim stated. She added, "My parents being immigrants from Korea, this one definitely hits pretty close to home." Kim emphasized the importance of leading with love and compassion while representing the U.S.
Trump's Attack and Hess's Response
The controversy ignited when Hess was asked about the immigration crackdown, which has resulted in two protester deaths in Minnesota and disrupted thousands of lives. Hess responded, "Just because I'm wearing the flag doesn't mean I represent everything that's going on in the U.S." The next day, Trump lashed out on social media, labeling Hess "a real Loser." This prompted a wave of support from fellow athletes.
Wider Athlete Reactions and Broader Issues
Other American snowboarders spoke out in defense of diversity and free expression. Snowboarder Bea Kim noted, "I think there are a lot of different opinions in the U.S. right now. Obviously we're very divided." She expressed pride in representing the United States while highlighting that diversity strengthens the country.
Teammate Maddie Mastro shared her concerns, saying, "I'm also saddened with what's happening at home. It's really tough and I feel like we can't turn a blind eye to that." She affirmed her commitment to representing a nation that values kindness and compassion, especially in times of injustice.
In a related incident, British-American skier Gus Kenworthy reported receiving death threats following his anti-ICE protest last week, underscoring the heightened tensions surrounding political expression in sports.
Gu's Call for Olympic Unity
Gu criticized the media focus on the controversy, stating, "I'm sorry that the headline that is eclipsing the Olympics has to be something so ... unrelated to the spirit of the Games." She argued that it contradicts the Olympic ideals, adding, "The whole point of sport is to bring people together." Gu praised sport as a common language that breaks records and human limits, urging a return to the core values of competition.
As the Winter Olympics continue, athletes like Gu and Kim are using their platforms to advocate for unity and empathy, turning a political firestorm into a conversation about the role of sports in bridging divides.
