Eruzione Criticizes Skier Hess for Comments on Representing U.S. at Olympics

Miracle on Ice captain takes issue with freestyle skier's mixed emotions about wearing USA uniform.

Feb. 7, 2026 at 5:23pm

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Former U.S. Olympic hockey star Mike Eruzione has criticized freestyle skier Hunter Hess for comments he made about representing the United States at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan. Hess said he has "mixed emotions" about wearing the USA uniform, as he doesn't agree with everything happening in the country right now. Eruzione, who led the 1980 "Miracle on Ice" hockey team, took to Twitter to say that if Hess doesn't fully represent the U.S., he shouldn't wear the USA uniform.

Why it matters

Eruzione's comments highlight the ongoing debate around athletes' right to free speech and expression, especially when representing their country at major international sporting events. Hess' remarks reflect a growing sentiment among some athletes who feel conflicted about patriotism and national pride.

The details

Hess, a two-time bronze medalist at the Winter X Games, said he views his Olympic participation as more about representing his "friends and family back home" rather than the entire country. Eruzione, whose heroics inspired the beloved film "Miracle," took issue with Hess' stance, tweeting that if the skier doesn't fully embrace the USA, "then don't put on the USA uniform."

  • The 2026 Winter Olympics are taking place in Milan, Italy.
  • Hess' comments were made on February 7, 2026, just one day into the Winter Games.

The players

Mike Eruzione

Captain of the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team that won the "Miracle on Ice" gold medal, and whose story was portrayed in the 2004 film "Miracle."

Hunter Hess

American freestyle skier competing in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan. He has won two bronze medals at the Winter X Games.

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What they’re saying

“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 some athletes just don't get it.”

— Mike Eruzione

“It brings up mixed emotions to represent the U.S. right now, I think. 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. For me, it's more I'm representing my friends and family back home, the people that represented before me, all the things that I believe are good about the U.S. I think if it aligns with my moral values, I feel like I'm representing it. Just because I'm wearing the flag doesn't mean I represent everything that's going on in the U.S.”

— Hunter Hess, Freestyle Skier

What’s next

It remains to be seen if Hess' comments will have any impact on his participation or reception at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

The takeaway

This debate highlights the complex relationship between patriotism, national pride, and personal values that some athletes grapple with when representing their country on the world stage. While Eruzione believes wearing the USA uniform requires full embrace of the country, Hess' perspective reflects a more nuanced view that not all athletes may share.