Hunter Hess says representing Team USA after Trump criticism was the hardest two weeks

Hunter Hess said criticism from former President Donald Trump made the fortnight before his Olympic debut "probably the hardest two weeks" of his life, and he qualified for the men's freeski halfpipe final on Feb. 20.

Hunter Hess, a 27-year-old Team USA freeski athlete, spoke about his experience at the 2026 Winter Olympics after recent public criticism. He finished fifth in the men's freeski halfpipe qualifying and advanced to the final on Feb. 20. Hess said the criticism he received made the lead-up to his Olympic debut "probably the hardest two weeks" of his life. What is reported: - Hess placed fifth in the men's freeski halfpipe qualifying on Feb. 20 and earned a spot in the final scheduled later that day. - The article reports that former President Donald Trump criticized Hess after Hess said representing the U.S. brought "mixed emotions," and Trump described him as "a real loser." - Hess said messages of support "meant the world" to him, updated his Instagram bio to read "a real loser," and emphasized that he loves the United States and was focused on competing. Summary: The reported criticism increased personal strain for Hess ahead of his Olympic debut, but he said support from others was meaningful. He advanced to the men's freeski halfpipe final on Feb. 20, which was scheduled later that day.