Olympian Eruzione Criticizes Skier Hess for 'Mixed Emotions' About Representing U.S.

Hess said he feels conflicted about wearing the American flag due to issues in the country.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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American freestyle skier Hunter Hess expressed "mixed emotions" about representing the United States at the 2026 Winter Olympics, drawing criticism from 1980 "Miracle on Ice" hockey captain Mike Eruzione. Hess said he feels conflicted because "a lot going on that I'm not the biggest fan of, and I think a lot of people aren't." Eruzione responded that Hess should not wear the U.S. uniform if he doesn't want to represent the country.

Why it matters

The comments highlight the ongoing debate around athletes using their platform to voice political or social views, especially when it comes to representing their country at the Olympics. Eruzione's response also reflects the polarized nature of these discussions in the U.S.

The details

During a press conference, Hess, 27, said he felt "mixed emotions" about representing the U.S. at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, citing issues happening in the country that he's "not the biggest fan of." Eruzione, captain of the 1980 "Miracle on Ice" U.S. hockey team, criticized Hess on social media, saying he shouldn't wear the U.S. uniform if he doesn't want to represent the country. Eruzione has previously shown support for former President Donald Trump.

  • The press conference with the U.S. freeski team took place on Friday in Milan.
  • Eruzione posted his response to Hess on social media.

The players

Hunter Hess

A 27-year-old American freestyle skier who expressed "mixed emotions" about representing the U.S. at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Mike Eruzione

The captain of the 1980 "Miracle on Ice" U.S. hockey team that won the gold medal, who criticized Hess for his comments.

Chris Lillis

A U.S. freestyle aerialist who said he is "heartbroken" over current events in the U.S. but wouldn't want to represent any other country.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Hunter Hess, American freestyle skier (KGW8)

“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 friend. Some athletes just don't get it.”

— Mike Eruzione, 1980 "Miracle on Ice" hockey team captain (Twitter)

“I feel heartbroken about what's happened in the United States. I think that, as a country, we need to focus on respecting everybody's rights and making sure that we're treating our citizens as well as anybody with love and respect. I hope that when people look at athletes competing in the Olympics, they realize that's the America that we're trying to represent.”

— Chris Lillis, U.S. freestyle aerialist (Washington Post)

What’s next

The U.S. Olympic Committee has not yet commented on Hess' remarks or Eruzione's response, but the debate around athletes' political views and representing their country is likely to continue leading up to the 2026 Winter Games.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing tension between athletes' personal beliefs and their role as representatives of their country at the Olympics. While some feel conflicted about current issues in the U.S., others believe athletes should set aside politics and focus on proudly representing their nation.