02/20/26 09:18:00
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02/20 09:16 CST Four Americans, including one Trump called a 'loser,' reach the
Olympic freeski halfpipe final
Four Americans, including one Trump called a 'loser,' reach the Olympic freeski
halfpipe final
LIVIGNO, Italy (AP) --- American freeskier Hunter Hess and three of his
teammates have qualified for Friday's 12-man halfpipe Olympic final, when they
will have a shot at delivering the first gold medal in nearly two weeks of
freeskiing or snowboarding at the Livigno snow park.
Hess was thrust into the spotlight at the Milan Cortina Games when U.S.
President Donald Trump called him a "loser" after the athlete had said that
"just because I'm wearing the flag doesn't mean I represent everything that's
going on in the U.S."
Hess made a "L" sign with his hand, with L meaning "loser," against his helmet
after his first qualifying run on Friday. He then told reporters that he stands
by the statement that had drawn Trump's ire, while also reiterating that he
loves his country.
Hess will be joined by fellow Americans Alex Ferreira, Nick Goepper and Birk
Irving in the final.
Brendan MacKay of Canada topped qualifying, when skiers got two runs down the
halfpipe, with their best score counting. Two other Canadians also advanced.
Reigning world champion Finley Melville Ives of New Zealand missed the cut
after crashing on both of his qualifying runs.
Elizabeth Lemley won gold in women's moguls freeskiing at the Winter Games, but
the moguls events are held at a separate venue in Livigno. The Livigno snow
park hosts the halfpipe, slopestyle and big air events for freeski and
snowboarding.
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AP Winter Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/milan-cortina-2026-winter-olympics
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