Olympian Nick Baumgartner recently recounted a lighthearted encounter with Martha Stewart during his appearance on the 'Today' show, where his choice of headwear became the subject of playful banter. Baumgartner, known for his snowboarding prowess, found himself humorously defending his fedora to the lifestyle guru. This interaction, which quickly gained attention, offered a glimpse into the personalities of both public figures and highlighted Baumgartner's candid approach to his receding hairline.
The amusing incident unfolded on Wednesday, February 18, when Nick Baumgartner, fresh from his Olympic endeavors, joined Martha Stewart and Snoop Dogg on the set of the 'Today' show. Sporting a fedora provided by Team USA, Baumgartner was met with a direct question from Stewart: 'How about getting rid of the hat?' This remark, delivered with Stewart's characteristic frankness, instantly created a memorable moment. Baumgartner, 44, later shared with PEOPLE the story behind his choice of headwear, explaining that despite never having worn a fedora before, he embraced it as a symbol of American pride during the Olympics. He good-naturedly pointed out that the hat served a practical purpose, jesting that Stewart was 'giving it away' that he was attempting to conceal his thinning hair, a phenomenon he humorously referred to as 'hatfishing.'
Despite the playful jab, Baumgartner assured that Stewart, 84, was 'super sweet' about the entire exchange. He confirmed there were no hard feelings, acknowledging that her comment was made in jest. He quipped that with the 'whole world watching,' he preferred to keep his hairline under wraps. Beyond the hat incident, Baumgartner has garnered a significant following during the Milan Cortina Games, particularly for his engaging and often humorous Instagram content that documented his experiences and even his search for romance. His ability to connect with audiences through social media has made him a beloved figure at the games.
Although Baumgartner did not secure a medal in his events at the Milan Cortina Games, he emphasized that his Olympic journey has been an 'incredible experience.' The snowboarder, who previously won gold in Beijing in 2022, explained that his social media activity, including creating 'Reels,' was not primarily aimed at gaining followers. Instead, it served as a valuable distraction and a way to manage the inherent pressures of elite competition. He admitted that while stress and the desire to perform well are always present, finding outlets like social media allowed him to maintain a positive mindset and not dwell excessively on performance anxiety.
This humorous interaction underscores the human element behind athletic endeavors and public appearances, demonstrating that even celebrated figures can find common ground in everyday concerns like fashion and personal image. Baumgartner's candidness about his 'hatfishing' and Stewart's playful commentary contributed to a relatable and endearing moment, further cementing his status as a fan favorite during the Games.