January 1, Olympic Legend Slams Skier Over Flag Remarks

Wyatt’s Take

• Skier Hunter Hess says he struggles to wear Team USA gear.
• Olympic legend Mike Eruzione criticizes Hess for not embracing the flag.
• Backlash pours in after Hess’s “mixed emotions” comments.

An American Olympian is getting heat after claiming it’s “hard” to represent the U.S. Hunter Hess, a skier from Oregon, shared with reporters that he has “mixed emotions” about the role.

He said he finds it “a little hard” to put on Team USA clothing, adding there’s “a lot going on” in the country he isn’t fond of.

“Just because I’m wearing the flag doesn’t mean I represent everything that’s going on in the U.S.,” Hess stated.

He said he competes mainly for “friends and family.”

“It’s a little hard, there’s obviously a lot going on that I’m not the biggest fan of, and I think a lot of people aren’t,” Hess added.

1980 Olympic hockey hero Mike Eruzione voiced his disapproval on social media. “Hunter Hess US snowboarder saying he doesn’t represent his country but his family and friends. Then don’t put on the USA uniform maybe just put for family and friends,” Eruzione wrote.

“Some athletes just don’t get it.”

Political figure Byron Donalds and others also pushed back against Hess’s stance.

Hess has represented the U.S. since 2017 on the Olympic stage.

Patriotism should never feel like a burden. These are the moments that remind us how important it is to stand proud, even when times are tough. If you wear the flag, you wear the country, and that means something out here in the heartland.

Wyatt Matters

In Middle America, folks value loyalty and pride in our nation. When you put on the stars and stripes, you’re showing what we stand for—grit, unity, and respect for those who came before us.

Full story here