US stars divided after Trump attacks ‘loser’ teammate

Chloe Kim and Eileen Gu, two Olympic standouts who’ve confronted their share of hate over time, every weighed in on Donald Trump’s criticism of their good friend, American freeskier Hunter Hess, for having stated he did not again the US president’s heightened crackdown on immigrants.

“I believe in moments like these, it’s actually vital for us to unite and form of arise for each other for all that’s happening,” stated Kim, the two-time Olympic gold medallist whose mother and father are South Korean immigrants and who has confronted racism all through her profession for her Asian heritage.

Gu, the American-born freeskier who competes for China, stated after her silver-medal win in slopestyle that she had been in contact with Hess, who advised her she was one of many few individuals who may relate to what he is going by.

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“As somebody who’s been caught within the crossfire earlier than, I really feel sorry for the athletes,” stated Gu, who was born in San Francisco and whose resolution to compete for China turned her right into a lightning rod.

Hess drew Trump’s ire when he was requested by reporters to present his views on the immigration crackdown that has claimed the lives of two protestors in Minnesota and disrupted hundreds of lives of immigrants and US residents. Hess answered: “Simply because I’m carrying the flag doesn’t imply I signify all the things that’s happening within the US”.

The following day, Trump lashed out at Hess on his Reality Social account, calling him “an actual Loser” and saying he could be onerous pressed to root for him on the Video games.

Hess’ buddies — snowboarders and freeskiers competing this week in Livigno — have been requested for his or her response.

“My mother and father being immigrants from Korea, this one undoubtedly hits fairly near dwelling,” stated Kim, who begins defence of her title Wednesday.

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“I’m actually proud to signify america,” she stated.

“The US has given my household and I a lot alternative, however I additionally assume that we’re allowed to voice our opinions of what’s going that we have to lead with love and compassion.”

Different American snowboarders spoke out for range and the fitting of expression.

“I believe there are plenty of totally different opinions within the US proper now. Clearly we’re very divided,” snowboarder Bea Kim 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 that so particular.”

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Teammate Maddie Mastro added: “I’m additionally saddened with what’s taking place at dwelling.”

“It’s actually powerful and I really feel like we will’t flip a blind eye to that. However on the identical time, I signify a rustic that has the identical values as mine of kindness and compassion. And we come collectively in instances of injustice,” Mastro stated.

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Gu referred to as it “an unwinnable press battle” for Hess and lamented the truth that the controversy could possibly be a distraction for the athletes, and overshadow the fantastic thing about the most important occasion in winter sports activities.

“I’m sorry that the headline that’s eclipsing the Olympics needs to be one thing so … unrelated to the spirit of the Video games,” she stated. “It actually runs opposite to all the things that the Olympics must be.”