Hunter Hess Turns Olympic Controversy Into The Real Loser Project

All Images: U.S. Freeski Team, Hunter Hess

Hunter Hess is back with a powerful message. During the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics, Hess was thrust into the global limelight when President Donald Trump publicly criticized him for his comments about representing the United States, calling him a "real loser." Now, Hess is flipping the script, turning a divisive incident into a fundraising campaign titled The Real Loser Project, dedicated to getting more kids outside with the nonprofit Stoked.

During the 2026 Winter Games, Hess was asked a loaded question regarding his feelings about representing the United States. By most accounts, the Olympic halfpipe skier gave a very moderate and personally honest answer, saying he had "mixed emotions." Some were quick to paint him as an anti-patriotic dissenter, while others supported his use of free speech.

"The whole experience was an absolute whirlwind. It was unlike any contest I’d ever competed in. I went through a lot of different emotions. Some were good, but for the most part, it sucked," Hess told FREESKIER when asked to recount the incident in February. Hess and his family were bombarded with messages and threats.

He continued, "That being said, I wouldn’t change it. Maybe I would’ve landed my run [laughs], but that was unlike anything I’d gone through before. I think it made me a better and more thoughtful person. There will be other halfpipe contests. This was bigger than that. It was an experience I’m weirdly grateful for."

Despite finishing 10th at the Olympics, Hess still had a banner year on the competition circuit. He landed in third place at The Snow League Season One finals, giving him third overall. On the FIS Freeski World Cup, he finished third overall for park and pipe and second for halfpipe. To the surprise of nobody, he has already qualified for TSL Season Two and has received a nomination for the 2026/27 U.S. Freeski Team.

Hunter Hess soars out of the pipe at the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics

Building on this momentum, Hess launched The Real Loser Project on May 18 with a social media announcement. The goal is simple: help Stoked in their mission to get more kids access to action sports and the outdoors. "I came up with The Real Loser Project when I was flying home from the Olympics," said Hess. "I felt that I had a lot of undeserved attention that I wanted to pivot into something positive. I wanted to bring people together and support something meaningful. The project took a lot longer than I anticipated, but I'm so happy we were able to finally get it out."

Through mutual friends, this desire for positive change aligned Hess with Stoked, a nonprofit that aims to give underserved kids access to the community and mentorship that comes with action sports. Stoked focuses on getting kids the tools and equipment needed to ski, snowboard, surf and skate.

Hess was immediately drawn to Stoked's mission, seeking to help people find the courage and purpose he's drawn from skiing. He elaborated, saying, "Personally, skiing has given me everything. My friends, my community, my livelihood, my sense of self; qualities that give me purpose and will stick with me for the rest of my life. Helping kids get introduced to that is a remarkable thing that I value immensely!"

To support The Real Loser Project, Hess launched a line of merch and made a public call for donations to Stoked. One hundred percent of the proceeds will go directly to the nonprofit. " It would be really cool to eventually do some in-person events," said Hess, "but for right now, I just want to keep it simple. The goal is to raise some money for a meaningful cause and see where it takes us."

Hess's reputation throughout the freeski community speaks for itself, and this initiative is just the latest testament to his selflessness and hard work.