Support for Hunter Hess
In Livigno, Italy, Chloe Kim and Eileen Gu, both prominent figures in the Olympic skiing community, addressed the backlash against their fellow athlete, Hunter Hess, stemming from his comments on immigration policies. Hess, a freeskier, faced criticism from former President Donald Trump after expressing his disagreement with Trump’s stringent measures affecting immigrants—measures that have had devastating consequences, including the deaths of protestors in Minnesota.
Solidarity Among Athletes
Kim, a two-time gold medalist with South Korean immigrant roots, emphasized the importance of solidarity among athletes during trying times, stating,
“It’s crucial that we come together and support each other considering the current circumstances.”
She personally resonated with Hess’s situation, acknowledging the challenges faced by immigrants in the U.S.
Gu, who has also dealt with public scrutiny due to her choice to represent China at the Olympics, shared her communication with Hess and reflected on the empathy she feels towards him.
“Having experienced similar tensions, I genuinely sympathize with my fellow competitors,”
she noted.
Hess’s Controversial Remarks
Hess’s comments, which he made during a news briefing, asserted,
“Wearing the American flag doesn’t mean I endorse everything happening in the United States.”
His remarks led to a pointed critique from Trump on the social media platform Truth Social, calling Hess a “real Loser” and questioning his ability to garner support during the Games.
Voices from the Snowboarding Community
Other American athletes in the snowboarding community, including Bea Kim and Maddie Mastro, echoed sentiments of pride in representing the United States while advocating for diversity and the right to voice personal opinions. Kim highlighted the current divisions within the country, remarking that such discord only strengthens the nation’s diversity, whereas Mastro expressed her sorrow over the issues affecting their homeland, reiterating the values of kindness and togetherness.
Impact on the Olympic Spirit
Gu lamented that the drama surrounding Hess could detract from the festive spirit of the Olympic Games, stating,
“It’s unfortunate that the narrative surrounding the Olympics is marred by something so disconnected from the essence of the event. It contrasts sharply with what the Olympics stand for.”
As the athletes prepare for the competitions, the underlying themes of unity, diversity, and resilience continue to resonate significantly.
