LIVIGNO, Italy — Hunter Hess is making his mark at the Olympics despite some tough challenges. After facing criticism from former President Donald Trump, Hess has turned it into a source of motivation. He even changed his Instagram bio to read, “A real loser,” showing he can laugh at the situation.
Hess, a 27-year-old freeskier, described the past couple of weeks as the hardest of his life. Trump’s comments left him feeling uneasy, especially after expressing mixed feelings about representing the U.S. at the Milan Cortina Games. “I’ve never been subject to this type of criticism before,” he said.
After waiting 12 days to compete, the pressure weighed heavily on him. Fellow athlete Birk Irving noted that the criticism affected Hess’s mental state, a sentiment echoed by three-time Olympian Nick Goepper. “Normally you don’t do an interview and get called out by the President,” Goepper said.
However, Hess found strength in the support of his teammates. Their messages helped lift his spirits, making him feel like he wasn’t alone. “Team USA has really helped me get back on my feet,” he shared.
Stars like Chloe Kim and Eileen Gu also voiced support for Hess. Gu, a five-time Olympic medalist, reminded everyone that the spirit of sports is about unity. She understands the tough pressures athletes face, encouraging them to perform their best despite the noise outside.
It’s worth noting that Olympic athletes often deal with heightened scrutiny. For instance, Gus Kenworthy, who now represents Great Britain, has faced backlash over his outspoken views. He recently shared threats he received online, revealing the darker side of fame.
Despite his injuries—a hematoma in his hip and a possible hand injury—Hess nailed both of his qualifying runs, scoring an impressive 85.00. All four U.S. competitors made it to the top six, showing their strength as a team. “I wear it with pride,” Hess said of his performance, “I’m just so lucky to be here.”
The pressure on athletes today is immense, especially in such a competitive environment. According to a recent survey by the International Olympic Committee, nearly 50% of athletes reported high levels of stress leading up to major competitions.
Hess’s story is a reminder of the resilience required in sports. He takes pride in representing not just himself, but his country and team. “This sport is my lifeline,” he declared, emphasizing how much it means to him. As he gears up for the final, his determination shines through.
For more insights into the challenges athletes face, check out the International Olympic Committee’s extensive research on mental health in sports here.
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