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LIVIGNO, Italy — The final query to america ladies’s snowboard halfpipe workforce was about President Donald Trump’s social-media criticism of Group USA males’s free skier Hunter Hess.
“There’s clearly loads occurring that I am not the largest fan of,” Hess stated at a information convention in Milan forward of the 2026 Winter Olympics. “Sporting the flag does not imply I signify the whole lot that is occurring within the U.S.
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“I am representing my family and friends again house, the those that represented it earlier than me, all of the issues that I imagine are good in regards to the U.S. I simply suppose if it aligns with my ethical values, I really feel like I am representing it.”
Hess’ teammates on the dais with him that day additionally addressed the subject, however solely the 27-year-old from Oregon drew the president’s ire. Trump known as Hess a “loser” and didn’t correctly convey what Hess stated in his submit.
The four-member ladies’s halfpipe workforce, led by two-time Olympian Chloe Kim, largely echoed what Hess initially stated.
“I believe there are lots of totally different opinions within the U.S. proper now. Clearly, we’re very divided,” Bea Kim, 17, stated. “I personally am very proud to signify america. That being stated, I believe range is what makes us a really sturdy nation and what makes us so particular.”
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Nowhere else on this planet can a person categorical themself with the extent of freedom Individuals can, Bea Kim stated.
“I believe the 4 of us sitting right here (Monday) are an instance of that. All of us got here from very totally different backgrounds.”
Chloe Kim’s dad and mom, like Bea Kim’s grandparents, immigrated to the West Coast from South Korea.
“I believe that is additionally so particular in regards to the Olympics. Bringing folks collectively from totally different international locations,” whereas celebrating sport, friendship and respect, Bea Kim stated.
Chloe Kim stated the latest information has “hit actually near house” as a result of her immigrants made the sacrifice many others have achieved to construct a greater life for his or her descendants in America.
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“It’s actually essential for us to unite and type of get up for each other with all that is occurring,” Chloe Kim stated. “I am actually proud to signify america. It is given my household and I a lot alternative. However I additionally suppose that we’re allowed to voice our opinions of what is going on on. And I believe that we must always lead with love and compassion. And I might like to see extra of that.”
Maddie Mastro agreed that she is proud to signify her nation.
“I am additionally saddened with what’s occurring at house. It is actually powerful and we won’t flip a blind eye to that,” Mastro stated.
On the similar time, Mastro stated, she represents a rustic that has not misplaced what makes it particular – kindness and compassion.
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By the point Maddy Schaffrick grabbed the mic, she did not have a lot so as to add.
“I really feel just like the Olympics is the epitome of all international locations and cultures coming collectively in celebration and pleasant competitors,” she stated. “I am proud to signify the U.S. and put on the American flag in such an internationally cohesive occasion, and do what I really like whereas representing the U.S.”
A number of members of Group USA have obtained on-line hate for his or her feedback main into these Video games, from Hess to determine skater Amber Glenn to moguls skier Chris Lillis.
This text initially appeared on USA TODAY: US snowboarders reply to Donald Trump’s criticism of Hunter Hess
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