Ashton Eaton responds to 'traitor' backlash for supporting wife Brianne Theisen-Eaton
Track & field duo represent both Canada and the U.S.
By: Caroline Szwed, CBC Sports
Drama, drama, drama. America's reigning Olympic champion in the decathlon Ashton Eaton was called a "traitor" after cheering on his wife, Canada's Brianne Theisen- Eaton who entered the Olympic Games ranked No. 1 in the world in the heptathlon.
The ultimate #relationshipgoals couple have made their way to the Rio 2016 Olympic Games and it's not starting the way they anticipated.
Ashton was spotted at the Olympic Stadium cheering on Brianne while he sported a "CANADA" cap.
U.S. gold medalist decathlete Ashton Eaton currently cheering on wife, Canadian Brianne Theisen-Eaton, in Canada hat <a href="https://t.co/TxfLlrPQC5">pic.twitter.com/TxfLlrPQC5</a>
—@JeffEisenbandWhile he was showing support for his wife, many people were not pleased with the American's choice of clothing:
How about an "I love my wife" hat or "Team Brianne" hat? C'mon <a href="https://twitter.com/AshtonJEaton">@AshtonJEaton</a> 🇺🇸 💯% for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RioOlympics2016?src=hash">#RioOlympics2016</a> <a href="https://t.co/bEczNF0aWJ">https://t.co/bEczNF0aWJ</a>
—@ThePurdueUnoAshton Eaton is a traitor
—@reedstrong7The world-record holder responded to these outraged folks on Twitter:
Have I not represented USA well? Yet u demand more. Ur respect is hard earned. I support the country that produced my wife;who ru2 shame me?
—@AshtonJEatonAre your grandparents from another country? Will your grandchildren be? What then? Hopefully you'll adopt a more reasonable view.
—@AshtonJEatonAfter his tweet, support for the U.S. track star started to roll in:
.<a href="https://twitter.com/AshtonJEaton">@AshtonJEaton</a> we appreciate the support for your wife, & we're cool with Bri supporting 🇺🇸 when you compete 👍 <a href="https://t.co/9OkJ2mgB0K">pic.twitter.com/9OkJ2mgB0K</a>
—@AthleticsCanadaI've never seen Ashton Eaton mad until tonight. Oh Lord. What have u guys done.<br><br>That's his WIFE. He made a vow to support her- for Life
—@lolojones<a href="https://twitter.com/AshtonJEaton">@AshtonJEaton</a> no idea what that's about, but the CND team all appreciate your support and are happy to cheer for you and the US 🇨🇦👬🇺🇸
—@JavelizzWhen they stand alone, they are some of the best contenders on an international stage. But it's when they stand together – despite being from different countries – that brings the sports world to their feet.
"Team North America" is represented by a powerhouse couple that isn't afraid to cheer for both countries.
We now know that time it is. It's "go" time. 🇺🇸🇨🇦 Team <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NorthAmerica?src=hash">#NorthAmerica</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RoadToRio?src=hash">#RoadToRio</a> <a href="https://t.co/YksQbauoMU">pic.twitter.com/YksQbauoMU</a>
—@AshtonJEaton