American skier Hunter Hess has given rise to a new backlash at this year's Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina after stating he's got mixed emotions about representing the US amid ongoing political issues back home.
Hess mentioned how wearing the US flag does not mean he endorses every single policy or action of the nation and stressed how he competes for his pals and loved ones as well as for the country's positive aspects, instead of the government's decisions.
His remarks gave rise to a new controversy and massive backlash from others, including former US Olympian Mike Eruzione, who used to be the captain of the Miracle on Ice hockey team.
He suggested that Hess does not deserve to be representing Team USA on a global platform and shouldn't don the team's uniform if he does not fully support the nation.
Eruzione's comments, which were made through his social media account, reflected a bigger frustration from some people who feel Olympic athletes should embody national pride without any kind of reservations.