Hunter Hess Faces Life’s Toughest Weeks After Trump’s Comments – The Athletic
Hunter Hess is currently facing one of the toughest periods of his career amid President Donald Trump’s recent comments about him. Trump labeled Hess a “loser” on social media after the freeskier expressed mixed feelings about representing the United States at the Milan Cortina Games. President Trump stated on February 8 that it would be “very hard to root for someone like” Hess.
Overcoming Adversity
The remarks had a profound impact on Hess, who described the two weeks following the comments as the hardest of his life. At 27 years old, he had never faced such intense public scrutiny before. “It’s been pretty taxing on my mental state,” he admitted. His teammates, including Birk Irving and Nick Goepper, have offered their unwavering support during this challenging time.
Support from Team USA
- Hess received numerous supportive texts and calls.
- His friends and family rallied behind him during the Games.
- Chloe Kim and Eileen Gu also voiced their support, emphasizing the unifying nature of sports.
Hunter expressed gratitude, noting, “Team USA has really helped me get back on my feet.” The solidarity from his peers made a significant difference in his mental resilience as he prepared for his Olympic debut.
Strong Performance Despite Setbacks
Hess successfully qualified in the men’s freeski halfpipe, achieving impressive scores of 82.75 and 85.00 during his runs. His second score placed him fifth overall among 25 competitors. Remarkably, he managed this performance despite ongoing physical challenges, including a hematoma in his right hip and persistent knee pain.
Injuries and Challenges
Just days prior, Hess underwent blood drainage on his hip following a nasty fall during practice. An MRI on his shoulder revealed bone bruising, and he has been dealing with a possible hand injury. Yet, he remains optimistic about securing a medal in the finals, saying, “I’m so happy just to be skiing and riding to the best of my ability right now.”
Final Thoughts
With the final run approaching, Hess feels determined. He hopes to make his friends, family, and country proud. “This sport is my lifeline,” he stated. The freeskier’s dedication to representing Team USA shines through, even amidst adversity. His resilience is a testament to the spirit of athletes competing at the Olympics.
