Chloe Kim, the two-time Olympic gold medalist in snowboarding, publicly defended fellow Team USA athlete Hunter Hess after President Donald Trump called him “a real loser” for expressing mixed emotions about representing the United States. Kim emphasized unity and compassion, drawing on her immigrant background to call for a more empathetic dialogue in sports and politics.
The controversy erupted when Hess, a freestyle skier, stated during a news conference that he had “mixed emotions” about wearing the U.S. flag amid current political and social turmoil, noting he doesn’t represent everything happening in the country. Trump quickly responded on Truth Social, criticizing Hess and suggesting he shouldn’t have tried out for the Olympic team, which ignited widespread reactions from athletes and political figures.
At a press conference on Monday, February 9, 2026, Kim addressed the issue, saying it “hit really close to home” due to her parents being immigrants. She expressed pride in representing the U.S. but asserted that athletes are allowed to voice their opinions, calling for leadership with “love and compassion” during divisive times. Her comments resonated with many who see the Olympics as a platform for broader social discussions.
Eileen Gu, another prominent skier who competes for China but was born in the U.S., also weighed in, stating that the political controversy runs contrary to the Olympic spirit of bringing people together. After winning a silver medal in freeski slopestyle, Gu emphasized that sport should focus on human connection and breaking physical limits, rather than being overshadowed by political disputes. Her perspective highlighted the global nature of the games and the desire to keep politics separate from athletic achievement.
Other U.S. athletes have shared similar sentiments. Freestyle skier Chris Lillis echoed Hess’s feelings while affirming his love for America, and skier Svea Irving noted it’s a “tough time” but emphasized values of compassion and respect. Snowboarder Bea Kim highlighted the strength of diversity in the U.S., reinforcing the theme of unity that many athletes are advocating for amidst the tension.
The incident has drawn attention to the intersection of sports and politics at the Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, where broader tensions were already evident. During the opening ceremony, Vice President JD Vance was met with boos from some spectators, and protests in Italy over issues like the cost of living have added to the charged atmosphere. This backdrop makes the games a focal point for discussions on national identity and free expression.
Looking ahead, the focus may shift back to competition as athletes like Kim prepare for upcoming events, but the dialogue around national representation and free speech is likely to persist. This episode underscores the challenges athletes face in navigating political landscapes while striving for Olympic excellence, and it highlights the ongoing debate about patriotism and criticism in American society, with implications for how sports are perceived globally.
