Winston-Salem, NC-- US Olympians will wear uniforms that aren't made in the USA. It's not sitting well with some lawmakers or locals.
When you think about the Olympics you think about pride and patriotism. It's our nation's best athletes competing on an international stage.
However, lawmakers like Senator Harry Reid (D-NV) is mad about our Olympic team uniforms because the American team's outfits are not made in America.
"Made In China". We see it everywhere, but when it comes to our Olympians, can't we do better?
News 2's Liz Crawford talked to everyday Americans in Winston-Salem about this Olympic-scale paradox.
"We have plenty of workers here that need work and plenty of industries that would have loved that contract," said Molly Martin.
Jason Beeson told News 2, "If it's USA representing USA then, it definitely should be from America."
Tim Combs said, "The uniform should be American made, made in the USA! It sure seems that everything lives and dies by the dollar."
For most people in downtown Winston-Salem on Thursday night, it's just doesn't feel right, but there were some with a different perspective.
"It's a global economy so I think it's fine that they're made in China," added Mary Moren.
Bruce Hirschhaut said, "Like any international company, they design it here, market it here, sourced all over the world."
Perhaps for American business owners, especially those in the apparel industry, it's especially tough to swallow.
Kevin Gates, the owner of Winston-Salem Tee's said, "It would give Americans a chance to show their craftsmanship if we had players wearing American apparel."
Gates thinks it's a chance for a US apparel company to be showcased and a chance to bring an old business back to America.
"We need to keep as much money as we possibly can in America," said Gates.
The uniforms were designed by American, Ralph Lauren. News 2 reached out to the company. A communications director said they are not issuing a statement right now.
This isn't the first time this has happened. In the Winter Olympics, the US uniforms were made by a company in Canada.
WFMY News 2