Canada's Brianne Eaton Theisen is encouraged by her husband Ashton Eaton of the United States, second right, during the athletics competitions of the 2016 Summer Olympics at the Olympic stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Friday, Aug. 12, 2016.Matt Dunham/The Associated Press
Star American decathlete Ashton Eaton says he's represented his country well and has the right to wear a Canadian hat in support of his Saskatchewan-born wife, heptathlete Brianne Theisen-Eaton.
Eaton was seen sporting a red Canada baseball cap at the Olympic track meet on Friday as Theisen-Eaton began her quest for a medal.
The display of Canadian gear did not sit well with some social media users, who suggested he wasn't being a loyal American.
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The world champion took to Twitter on Friday night to respond to the criticism.
"Have I not represented USA well? Yet u demand more. Ur respect is hard earned," he tweeted. "I support the country that produced my wife;who ru2 shame me?"
Many users also jumped to his defence, applauding him for being a supportive husband.
Theisen-Eaton, who was competing again on Saturday, also responded via Twitter.
"Ashton is my biggest fan & I couldn't do this w/out him," she tweeted. "Thank you AshtonJEaton for always supporting me."
Athletics Canada also gave him a shout-out.
"We appreciate the support for your wife, & we're cool with Bri supporting (the U.S.) when you compete," the organization tweeted.
Track and field's super couple are active on social media with the joint Twitter handle weareeaton. They're also currently starring in a Visa commercial, a tongue-in-cheek depiction of how competitive they are with each other.