U.S. freeski athlete Hunter Hess’s Winter Olympics journey ended on Friday, Feb. 20, during the men’s freeski halfpipe finals at Livigno Snow Park in Italy, but the 22-year-old’s Olympic story became a talking point well before the medal round. Hess, a first-time Olympian, had already drawn national attention following comments he made about representing the United States in the current political climate—and a bold gesture that elicited a direct response from former President Donald Trump.
The Controversial “L” Gesture
During his qualification run for the men’s halfpipe, Hess flashed an “L” across his forehead, a clear reference to the word “loser.” The gesture came after Trump, reacting to Hess’ earlier remarks, called him a “real loser” on Truth Social. Hess’ comments had addressed the difficulty of representing the United States on the Olympic stage amid what he described as a politically divided country.
“Apparently I’m a loser,” Hess said into the camera immediately after completing his qualification run. He explained that his gesture was not meant as a political attack, but rather as a reflection of the unexpected attention and criticism his statements had received. The moment went viral, generating significant discussion online about athletes, free speech, and political commentary during the Olympics.
Hess’ Olympic Performance
Hess qualified for the 12-man finals with a best score of 85.00 on his second qualifying run, improving by 2.25 points from his first attempt. Despite the media attention, he focused on competing and performing at his highest level. In the finals, Hess completed three runs, with his best score being 58.75 in the third round, ultimately finishing 10th overall.
“It was probably the hardest two weeks of my life,” Hess admitted in a post-event interview. The delay between the start of the Olympics and his competition added to the pressure. “I’ve never been subject to that type of criticism before. Luckily my family was there to support me and help me get through it. There was a lot of noise, and skiing has saved my life, time and time again, and it seems to have done so again.”
Comments That Sparked the Controversy
The controversy began weeks before the Olympic finals. During a press conference in Milan ahead of the Games, Hess remarked that “it’s a little hard” to represent the United States at the Winter Olympics given the current political division in the country. While other athletes, including members of the women’s halfpipe team led by three-time Olympic medalist Chloe Kim, spoke generally about the political climate, Hess’ candid statement caught Trump’s attention, prompting the former president to publicly criticize him.
Hess clarified that his comments were not an attack on his country. “Wearing the flag doesn’t mean I represent everything that’s going on in the U.S.,” he said. “I’m representing my friends and family back home, the people that represented it before me, all the things that I believe are good about the U.S. I just think if it aligns with my moral values, I feel like I’m representing it.”
Teammates Show Support
Following Hess’ controversial gesture during the qualifying run, teammate Alex Ferreira, who went on to win the gold medal in the event, spoke publicly in support of Hess. “I stand by my teammate,” Ferreira said. His comments underscored the solidarity among the U.S. freeski team, even amid external criticism and political distractions.
Hess also leaned into the controversy in his own way, updating his Instagram bio to include the words “a real loser,” reclaiming the label Trump had given him and demonstrating a mix of humor, resilience, and defiance in the face of public scrutiny.
Navigating the Pressure
For a first-time Olympian, the added attention created significant mental challenges. Hess described the period leading up to his event as exhausting. “It was probably the hardest two weeks of my life. I’ve never been subject to that type of criticism before.” Despite the scrutiny, he remained focused on his performance and the opportunity to represent his country.
Hess credited his family for helping him navigate the emotional and mental strain of the situation. “Luckily my family was there to support me and help me get through it,” he said. “There was a lot of noise, and I’ve never been subject to that type of criticism. But with my family’s help, I was able to get through it.”
The athlete emphasized that skiing has long been a stabilizing force in his life, providing both an outlet and a sense of purpose. “Skiing has saved my life, time and time again, and it seems to have done so again,” he added, reflecting on the discipline, focus, and passion that have carried him through both personal and professional challenges.
A Statement of Patriotism and Principle
Despite the political nature of the controversy, Hess repeatedly affirmed his pride in representing the United States at the Winter Olympics. “I love the United States of America. I cannot say that enough. My original statement, I felt like I said that, but apparently, people didn’t take it that way. I’m so happy to be here, so happy to represent Team USA,” he said.
Hess’ comments highlighted a nuanced perspective on patriotism: one that allows for personal values and critical reflection while still embracing the honor of competing under the national flag. His approach has sparked broader conversations about the role of athletes in political discourse and how they navigate complex social and cultural expectations during international competitions.
Lessons for First-Time Olympians
Hess’ experience underscores several important lessons for first-time Olympians navigating high-pressure environments. Balancing athletic performance, media scrutiny, and personal expression can be extremely challenging, particularly when political or cultural issues intersect with sport. Hess demonstrated resilience, focus, and a willingness to embrace his own voice, even under public criticism.
His story also illustrates the importance of support networks. From coaches to family and teammates, having a strong foundation is crucial for athletes facing intense scrutiny and pressure. Hess credited his family for helping him maintain perspective and emotional balance during the lead-up to his event.
Looking Ahead
Although Hess did not medal in the men’s freeski halfpipe finals, his performance and public stance have left a lasting impression. His combination of athletic skill, personal integrity, and courage in expressing his thoughts has made him a standout figure in the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Hess’ Olympic journey may serve as a model for future U.S. athletes, demonstrating that competing at the highest level involves more than just physical performance. It requires mental resilience, self-expression, and the ability to navigate public scrutiny while staying true to personal values.
As he reflects on his Olympic experience, Hess emphasized that the challenges he faced—both on and off the slopes—will continue to shape his career and personal growth. His ability to handle criticism, maintain focus, and represent his country with pride sets a powerful example for aspiring athletes across the nation.
