Chloe Kim, an American snowboarder of Korean descent, recently spoke out regarding comments made by former President Donald Trump, who referred to freestyle skier Hunter Hess as a 'real loser' after Hess criticized the violent tactics of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Addressing the media before the upcoming Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, Kim emphasized that, as the child of immigrants, this issue resonates personally for her and highlighted the need for athletes to unite and express their perspectives, particularly in light of current social issues.

Kim's remarks come in the context of rising tensions surrounding ICE's aggressive enforcement measures, which were under scrutiny after two protesters died during a recent operation in Minnesota. Hunter Hess's expression of discomfort about representing the United States while ICE operations resulted in deaths sparked Trump's derisive remarks on social media, suggesting that such sentiments made it difficult for him to support Hess at the Olympics. This incident has ignited a broader discussion about whether athletes should be allowed to express their personal opinions and the implications of doing so on the international stage.

Chloe Kim's statements reflect a growing sentiment among athletes who feel the need to address social and political issues, with her fellow teammate, Maddie Mastro, echoing similar concerns by stating that they can't ignore events happening in their home country. Kim's position on the matter reinforces the cultural significance of athletes stepping into the public sphere to advocate for compassion and empathy, especially in the face of perceived injustices, marking a pivotal moment in the dialogue around athlete activism prior to the Winter Olympics.