Olympic Skier Faces Backlash Over Comments About Representing U.S.

Hunter Hess expresses 'mixed emotions' about competing for Team USA amid political tensions.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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Olympic freestyle skier Hunter Hess has faced criticism after expressing 'mixed emotions' about representing the United States at the upcoming Milan Cortina Games. In a press conference, Hess said he doesn't 'represent everything that's going on in the U.S.' and that the current political climate 'brings up mixed emotions.' Hess's teammate Chris Lillis also voiced concerns, saying he feels 'heartbroken' about the state of the country. The comments have sparked backlash, with some accusing the athletes of being 'spoiled brats' and saying they should focus on their sport rather than lecturing the country.

Why it matters

The comments from Hess and Lillis highlight the growing tension between some athletes and their feelings about representing the United States, especially amid political divisions. As Olympic athletes, they are seen as ambassadors for the country, and their remarks have the potential to alienate some American viewers and fans.

The details

In the press conference, Hess said 'It brings up mixed emotions to represent the U.S. right now, I think...It's a little hard. There's obviously a lot going on that I'm not the biggest fan of, and I think a lot of people aren't.' Lillis echoed similar sentiments, saying he feels 'heartbroken about what's happening in the United States' and that 'as a country, we need to focus on respecting everybody's rights and making sure that we're treating our citizens as well as anybody with love and respect.' The comments were made in the context of the Trump administration's immigration policies.

  • Hess is scheduled to compete in the men's freeski halfpipe race at Livigno Snow Park on Thursday, February 19, 2026.

The players

Hunter Hess

A 27-year-old freestyle skier from Bend, Oregon who is competing in his first Olympic Games.

Chris Lillis

An 'aerials specialist' on the U.S. Olympic freeski team who echoed Hess's sentiments about representing the U.S.

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What they’re saying

“It brings up mixed emotions to represent the U.S. right now, I think...It's a little hard. There's obviously a lot going on that I'm not the biggest fan of, and I think a lot of people aren't.”

— Hunter Hess (TheBlaze)

“I think that as a country, we need to focus on respecting everybody's rights and making sure that we're treating our citizens as well as anybody with love and respect. And I hope that when people look at athletes competing in the Olympics, they realize that's the America that we're trying to represent.”

— Chris Lillis (TheBlaze)

What’s next

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The takeaway

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