Hunter Hess and Team Advance to Olympic Halfpipe Final
In Livigno, Italy, American freeskier Hunter Hess, along with three teammates, has secured a spot in the upcoming Olympic halfpipe final, set to take place on Friday. This marks a crucial opportunity for the group as they look to achieve the first gold medal in the freeskiing and snowboarding disciplines at the ongoing Games, which have seen no medals awarded in this category for nearly two weeks.
Controversy Surrounding Hunter Hess
Hess found himself at the center of controversy earlier in the games when he expressed that wearing the American flag does not equate to representing all views in the United States. This statement sparked a reaction from former President Donald Trump, who labeled Hess a “loser.” After his first qualifying run, Hess symbolically gestured the letter “L” for loser on his helmet and reiterated his love for his country while standing firm in his beliefs.
Finalists and Competition Overview
Joining Hess in the final are fellow American athletes Alex Ferreira, Nick Goepper, and Birk Irving. Canadian skier Brendan MacKay excelled in the qualifying rounds, securing the top spot along with two other Canadian competitors advancing to the final. Notably, reigning world champion Finley Melville Ives from New Zealand did not make the cut after experiencing crashes on both qualifying attempts.
Previous Achievements at the Games
While Hess and his teammates prepare for their high-stakes final, it’s important to note that Elizabeth Lemley previously secured a gold medal in the women’s moguls event at these Winter Games. Moguls competitions, however, take place at a different site, while the Livigno snow park is dedicated to halfpipe, slopestyle, and big air events for both freeskiing and snowboarding.
