“I personally am very proud to represent the United States. That being said, I think diversity is what makes us a very strong country and what makes us so special,” Kim said.
“I don’t think there’s anywhere else in the world where you can really have the opportunity to do whatever you want. I mean, I think the four of us sitting here today are an example of that. We all came from very different backgrounds…and we all got to just chase our dreams and be here.”
US Vice President JD Vance at the opening ceremony of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.Credit: Getty Images
Her comments were echoed by Chloe Kim, a two-time Olympic halfpipe champion whose parents emigrated from South Korea, and who also spoke of the opportunities the US had given her family.
“Obviously, my parents being immigrants, this one definitely hits pretty close to home and I think in moments like these, it is really important for us to unite and kind of stand up for one another, for all that’s going on,” Kim said.
“I think that I’m really proud to represent the United States. The US has given my family and I so much opportunity, but I also think that we are allowed to voice our opinions on what’s going on, and I think that we need to lead with love and compassion and I would love to see some more of that.”
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The presence of US Vice President JD Vance at the Milano Cortina Olympics has been ill-received by Italian citizens, who have taken to the streets to protest his presence along with a contingent of ICE agents.
The animosity towards Vance and ICA at the Games was on show at the San Siro Stadium for the opening ceremony last week, where the crowd booed when Vance was shown on screen.
The Winter Olympic Games will be broadcast on the Nine Network, 9Now and Stan Sport.
