In February 2018, when U.S. athletes take on the snow and ice in South Korea at the Winter Olympics, they’ll be doing so in a much colder political climate than they have in years. A poll conducted by Pew Research in June 2017 found the world has a much lower opinion of President Donald Trump than his predecessor, Barack Obama.
U.S. Olympic gold-medalist Lindsey Vonn addressed the effect that Trump has had on the world’s perception of the U.S. in an interview with CNN on Dec. 7, 2017. “I take the Olympics very seriously and what they mean and what they represent, what walking under our flag means in the opening ceremony,” she said. “I want to represent our country well. I don’t think that there are a lot of people currently in our government that do that.”
The skier then doubled down on her comment, calling out Trump personally. “Well, I hope to represent the people of the United States, not the president,” Vonn told CNN’s “Alpine Edge.” Vonn also joined the ranks of other American athletes who’ve said they would decline a trip to the Trump White House. “I have to win to be invited,” she said, before correcting herself. “No, actually I think every U.S. team member is invited, so no, I won’t go.”
After Vonn’s candid interview, she received a lot of positive responses on social media but also her share of scorn. Trump supporters were quick to call her recent back injury a “punishment from god,” and some wished she’d “break her neck” as well.
Does Lindsey Vonn really think Americans give a crap who she thinks she's representing? Break a leg Lindsay. No no, I mean "break a leg"
— DeploraBill (@BillDeplora) December 12, 2017
Trump takes down Lindsey Vonn pic.twitter.com/a0PLq8D3Hy
— West (Outlaw) Hunter (@1HeroMe) December 10, 2017
Lindsey Vonn two days ago:”I won’t represent our president at the Winter Olympics”
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) December 9, 2017
Lindsey Vonn today: *Injures back while skiing*
That’s what we call the “Trump effect”
Vonn decided to clear up her position with a post on Instagram. “My recent comments opened up my eyes as to how divided we are right now,” Vonn wrote, calling the comments “hurtful.”
But she wouldn’t back down from her belief that Trump has hurt America’s reputation around the globe:
“I want our country to continue to be a symbol of hope, compassion, inclusion and world unity. My travels around the world have recently made clear that this is no longer how people view the United States. You cannot pick up a newspaper or turn on the TV in Europe without noticing how people are questioning our direction …”
Vonn finished her post with an appeal to the country’s better angels and a nod to conservative icon Ronald Reagan.
“I am going to take the next two months to focus on what I can do and right now that is competing for my country. In doing that, I will be hoping that we Americans can still be that ‘shining city on a hill.’”
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Grieving couple comforting each other
This response to someone grieving a friend might be the best internet comment ever
When someone is hit with the sudden loss of a friend or loved one, words rarely feel like enough. Yet, more than a decade ago, a wise Redditor named GSnow shared thoughts so profound they still bring comfort to grieving hearts today.
Originally posted around 2011, the now-famous reply was rediscovered when Upvoted, an official Reddit publication, featured it again to remind everyone of its enduring truth. It began as a simple plea for help: “My friend just died. I don't know what to do.”
What followed was a piece of writing that many consider one of the internet’s best comments of all time. It remains shared across social media, grief forums, and personal messages to this day because its honesty and metaphor speak to the raw reality of loss and the slow, irregular path toward healing.
Below is GSnow’s full reply, unchanged, in all its gentle, wave-crashing beauty:
Why this advice still matters
Mental health professionals and grief counselors often describe bereavement in stages or phases, but GSnow’s “wave theory” gives an image more relatable for many. Rather than a linear process, grief surges and retreats—sometimes triggered by a song, a place, or a simple morning cup of coffee.
In recent years, this metaphor has found renewed relevance. Communities on Reddit, TikTok, and grief support groups frequently reshare it to help explain the unpredictable nature of mourning.
Many readers say this analogy helps them feel less alone, giving them permission to ride each wave of grief rather than fight it.
Finding comfort in shared wisdom
Since this comment first surfaced, countless people have posted their own stories underneath it, thanking GSnow and passing the words to others facing fresh heartbreak. It’s proof that sometimes, the internet can feel like a global support group—strangers linked by shared loss and hope.
For those searching for more support today, organizations like The Dougy Center, GriefShare, and local bereavement groups offer compassionate resources. If you or someone you know is struggling with intense grief, please reach out to mental health professionals who can help navigate these deep waters.
When grief comes crashing like the ocean, remember these words—and hang on. There is life between the waves.
This article originally appeared four years ago.