When U.S. Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn is racing down snowy South Korean mountains in February, you can bet Donald Trump will be the last person on her mind.
Ahead of the Winter Games this year in Pyeongchang, the 33-year-old gold medalist sat down with CNN’s Christina MacFarlane to chat about competing once again for Team USA and the possibility of winning her second gold medal.
But the topic veered away from sports at one point and, as conversations often do these days, turned to Trump.
“You previously competed at three Olympic games under two presidents,” MacFarlane said. “How will it feel competing at an Olympic games for a United States whose president is Donald Trump?”
“Well, I hope to represent the people of the United States — not the president,” Vonn said, her tone clearly reflecting disapproval of Trump.
“I take the Olympics very seriously and what they mean and what they represent, what walking under our flag means in the opening ceremonies,” she continued. “I want to represent our country well, and I don’t think there are a lot of people currently in our government that do that,” she concluded.
Vonn’s patriotism and fervent opposition to Trumpism come at a remarkable moment in presidential history.
Unlike his recent predecessors, Trump has intentionally waded into controversy, capitalizing on cultural wars by attacking black and brown professional athletes who’ve protested during the national anthem at their games. Contrary to the president’s claims, the players aren’t protesting the flag, military, or anthem itself but rather using the moment to peacefully draw attention to racial inequality in our criminal justice system — namely, police brutality.
As a prolific American athlete, Vonn’s disapproval of Trump coinciding with her patriotism, which is focused on the people of the U.S. and not its leader, shouldn’t be overlooked.
When asked by CNN if she’d accept an invitation to the White House by the Trump administration, Vonn quickly responded, “Absolutely not.”
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.