US Olympic team defends diversity, free speech after Trump attacks Hunter Hess
“Personally, I am very proud to represent the United States. However, I think diversity is what makes us such a strong country and what makes us so special,” Kim said.
“I don’t think there’s any other place in the world where you can have the opportunity to do anything you really want. I mean, the four of us sitting here today are an example of that. We all come from very different backgrounds… and we should all follow our dreams and be here.”
US Vice President JD Vance at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina.Credit: Getty Images
His comments were echoed by two-time Olympic halfpipe champion Chloe Kim, whose parents emigrated from South Korea and who also spoke of the opportunities the United States offered her family.
“Obviously, with my family being immigrants, this situation definitely hits us very closely, and I think it’s really important in moments like this for us to pull together and support each other despite what’s going on,” Kim said.
“I think I’m really proud to represent the United States. The United States has given my family and I so many opportunities, but I also think we’re allowed to voice our opinions about what’s going on, and I think we need to lead with love and compassion, and I’d love to see a little more of that.”
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US Vice President J.D. Vance’s presence at the Milan Cortina Olympics was poorly received by Italian citizens, who took to the streets along with a group of ICE agents to protest his presence.
The hostility towards Vance and the ICA at the Games was on display at the opening ceremony at San Siro Stadium last week, with the crowd booing when Vance was featured on screen.
The Olympic Winter Games will be broadcast on Nine Network, 9Now and Stan Sport.
