U.S. Olympic skier Hunter Hess has responded to President Donald Trump blasting him for saying he had “mixed feelings” about representing the U.S. at the winter games.
The freestyle skier had said during a press conference on Saturday that representing the United States brings up “mixed emotions,” and that if he wins a medal, it would be more for his “family and the people that support me getting here” than his home country.
That, in turn prompted the POTUS to call him a “real loser” on social media.
“I love my country,” Hess said in a social media post Monday. “There is so much that is great about America, but there are always things that could be better. One of the many things that makes this country so amazing is that we have the right and the freedom to point that out.”
“The best part of the Olympics is that it brings people together, and when so many of us are divided we need that more than ever,” Hess added. “I cannot wait to represent Team USA next week when I compete. Thanks to everyone for their support.”
U.S. snowboarders at the Olympics also weighed in on the polemics with the U.S. president.
Women’s halfpipe champion Maddie Maestro, who is well positioned to earn her first Olympic medal, said she was proud to represent the U.S. but she’s “also saddened with what’s happening at home.”
“It’s really tough,” she added. “I feel like we can’t turn a blind eye to that. But at the same time, I represent a country that has the same values as mine, of kindness and compassion. And we come together in times of injustice.”