American freeskier Hunter Hess flashed an "L" hand signal after his Olympic halfpipe qualifying run, an apparent response to President Donald Trump’s criticism.
Hess shaped his index finger and thumb to form the letter "L" and raised his hand to his forehead after finishing his run. He explained the gesture was a nod to Trump’s earlier comment calling him a "real loser." Hess had previously expressed "mixed emotions" about representing the U.S. at the Milan Cortina Games due to current national issues.
"I worked so hard to be here. I sacrificed my entire life to make this happen," Hess stated. "I love the United States of America. 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."
Hess had initially stated during a press conference that representing the U.S. "brings up mixed emotions" and that he was representing his friends, family, and the positive aspects of the country that align with his moral values, rather than everything going on nationally.
President Trump responded via social media, writing, "U.S. Olympic Skier, Hunter Hess, a real Loser, says he doesn’t represent his Country in the current Winter Olympics... Very hard to root for someone like this. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!"
Hess, who qualified for the 12-man halfpipe final, reiterated his commitment to representing Team USA and stood by his initial comments.
