Slovenian athlete writes 'Free Meek Mill' on snowboard during Winter Olympics
The hashtag started trending in Philadelphia and across the country shortly after Meek Mill was sentenced to prison.
A Slovenian snowboarder used his big moment during the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics to advocate for incarcerated Philadelphia rapper Meek Mill.
Tit Stante, a 19-year-old from Slovenia, flashed his snowboard at the end of his second run during the halfpipe qualifying event that aired Monday night, depicting the hashtag #FreeMeekMill written on his board.
Some quickly took to social media to share images of the unexpected moment.
Stante placed 25 out of 29, therefore not qualifying for the finals. The United States' Shaun White placed first in the competition.
It's not the only time Mill and high-level sports have crossed paths. The Philadelphia Eagles declared the rapper's "Dreams & Nightmares" the team's unofficial anthem this past season, and the song was played as they entered the field during Super Bowl LII.
>> READ MORE: Yo, Eagles, please pick another unofficial anthem | Jenice Armstrong
The hashtag #FreeMeekMill started trending quickly in Philadelphia and across the nation shortly after Common Pleas Court Judge Genece E. Brinkley sentenced the rapper to two to four years in state prison in November for violating his probation.
"It really lifted my spirit to hear the team rally around my songs because that's why I make music," Mill, 30, said in a statement after learning of the Eagles' use of the song. "To inspire others and bring people together. The Eagles have also motivated me with the way they've overcome tough situations and injuries to succeed this year."
In addition to the hashtag, billboards and newsstands with the words "Stand With Meek Mill" have been seen in corners across the city, while a bus with the same slogan traveled around to share the message.
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>> READ MORE: Meek Mill judge Genece Brinkley hires lawyer, threatens to sue rapper's backers
Stante's performance in the halfpipe qualifier can be viewed on NBC's website. His first run starts at 49:50, while his second run, where he advocates for Mill, starts at 1:56:00.