As the 2026 Winter Olympics continue in Italy, one of the most powerful and unexpected stories isn’t about medals or podiums, it’s about solidarity among athletes and how they navigate criticism from outside the sporting world. At the heart of that story is Chloe Kim, the two‑time Olympic snowboarding gold medalist, who recently spoke out in defense of fellow Team USA athlete Hunter Hess after he became the target of sharp criticism from former President Donald Trump.
According to ClutchPoints, Hess, a U.S. freestyle skier, attracted attention after being asked about his feelings on representing the United States amid intense political debate at home, particularly around immigration enforcement. He responded that while competing for America is an honor, wearing the flag doesn’t automatically mean endorsing every political decision or policy currently in place.
His comments were personal and reflective, but they quickly drew a strong response from Trump, who took to social media and labeled Hess “a real loser, a remark that lit up political and sports commentary circles alike. In the days that followed, many around the Olympic community offered their take, but few responses were as heartfelt or as personal as Kim’s.
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Kim Defends Her Friend
Asked by reporters about the controversy, Kim didn’t shy away from linking the moment to her own life story and the values that have shaped her both as an athlete and a human being. Her parents emigrated from South Korea, and she said that perspective gives her a particular appreciation for the complexities of identity and national pride.
Reflecting on the criticisms of Hess, Kim said, “My parents being immigrants from Korea, this one definitely hits pretty close to home.” That line alone resonated widely because it framed the situation not as a political battle but as something deeply rooted in personal experience. For Kim, the connection between country, heritage, and belonging isn’t abstract — it’s lived.
Kim went on to express pride in wearing the colors of the United States while underscoring the importance of free expression among athletes. She said she was “really proud to represent the United States,” but added that competing under the flag should not silence athletes on issues they feel strongly about.
Her comments carried a deeper message, one that centered on empathy and unity rather than division. Kim said she believes that in moments like this, when criticism and politics intersect with sports, it’s crucial for athletes and supporters alike to come together and back one another. She put it plainly: “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’s stance is particularly notable given her status as one of Team USA’s most visible stars. She is competing for her third straight Olympic halfpipe title, a rare feat in a sport known for its fierce competition and high risk, and she has faced intense scrutiny before, including racist abuse earlier in her career.
But her defense of Hess wasn’t framed as a rebuke of those who disagree, nor was it dismissive of the political context. Instead, Kim emphasized compassion and mutual respect, qualities that many feel the Olympics ought to represent at their core. Her words also came amid responses from other athletes.
Freeskier Eileen Gu, who was born in the United States but competes for China, echoed similar themes after winning a silver medal, expressing sympathy for athletes caught up in political controversy and noting how the headline had diverted attention from the true spirit of the Games. Gu described the situation as part of an “unwinnable press war” that detracts from the joy and competition the Olympics are meant to celebrate.
Published: Feb 10, 2026 03:20 pm