"I worked so hard to be here. I sacrificed my entire life to make this happen," Hess said. "I'm not going to let controversy like that get in my way. 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."
"If it aligns with my moral values, I feel like I'm representing it. Just because I'm wearing the flag doesn't mean I represent everything that's going on in the U.S."
"Hess, a real Loser, says he doesn't represent his Country in the current Winter Olympics. If that's the case, he shouldn't have tried out for the Team, and it's too bad he's on it."
Hunter Hess, a 27-year-old American freeskier, received the label "loser" from President Trump after saying he does not represent everything about the United States. The label triggered threats to his family and became a major political imbroglio at the Games. Hess qualified for the 12-man halfpipe final, joining three other Americans with a chance at the country's first skiing or snowboarding gold. Hess said he sacrificed his life to compete, loves the United States, and would not let the controversy derail him. He explained he represents the country only when it aligns with his moral values.
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