US skier Hess describes ‘hardest weeks of my life’ after Trump’s ‘real loser’ comment

Guardian Sport

by Sean Ingle at Livigno Snow Park

February 20, 2026

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Hunter Hess, a US halfpipe skier, faced intense scrutiny after President Donald Trump labeled him a “real loser” following his admission of mixed feelings about representing the United States in the Winter Olympics. In response, Hess delivered a bold gesture during competition in Livigno, Italy, flashing an L-sign as he qualified for the final. When questioned about his actions, Hess remained unapologetic, stating, “I’m leaning into it” and reaffirming his stance without regrets. The controversy began when Trump criticized Hess for expressing ambivalence about competing for Team USA. Despite this, Hess chose to lean into the public scrutiny, using his performance as a platform to assert his resilience. His decision to flash the L-sign during qualification was seen as both a defiant response to Trump’s remarks and a symbolic embrace of the label he had been given. This incident highlights

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Originally published on Guardian Sport on 2/20/2026