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In the wake of a historic gold medal triumph for both the U.S. men’s and women’s hockey teams at the 2026 Winter Olympics, captain Hilary Knight has expressed her disappointment with comments made by former President Donald Trump. During a call with the men’s team, Trump’s remark about needing to invite the women’s team to the White House overshadowed their accomplishments, prompting Knight to highlight the importance of recognising women’s contributions to the sport.
Context of the Celebration
Following their stunning overtime victory against Canada, the U.S. men’s hockey team received a congratulatory call from Trump, who jokingly suggested, “I must tell you, we’re going to have to bring the women’s team. You do know that. I do believe I probably would be impeached.” This comment, which drew laughter from players, quickly went viral, leading to a backlash against the men’s team for their apparent complicity in the joke.
Knight, a five-time Olympic medallist, addressed the situation during an appearance on SportsCenter. She stated, “I thought it was sort of a distasteful joke, and unfortunately, that is overshadowing a lot of the success… the success of just women at the Olympics carrying for Team USA and having amazing gold medal feats.” Her remarks underscore the need to celebrate the achievements of female athletes independently of male counterparts.
Responses from the Men’s Team
The men’s team, while basking in their gold medal glory, found themselves at the centre of controversy. Jack Hughes, who netted the decisive goal against Canada, responded to the criticism during an interview on Good Morning America, asserting the team’s support for their female colleagues. “People are so negative about things,” he remarked. “I think everyone in that locker room knows how much we support… how proud we are of them [the women’s team].”
In a separate discussion, Hughes further elaborated, stating, “Everything is so political, we’re athletes, we’re so proud to represent the U.S., and when you get the chance to go to the White House and meet the president… that’s so patriotic.” His comments reflect the complex interplay between sports, politics, and national pride.
Women’s Team Declines White House Invitation
The U.S. women’s hockey team, despite their monumental success, opted to turn down Trump’s invitation to the White House, citing existing commitments in their academic and professional lives. Kelly Pannek, a two-time Olympic gold medallist and a teammate of Knight, commented on the broader implications of Trump’s phone call, saying, “It’s not surprising, to be frank. I don’t know why we’d expect differently.” However, she emphasised the mutual respect and support shared between the men’s and women’s teams throughout the tournament.
A Shared Celebration
Despite the distractions, both teams have expressed pride in their accomplishments. Knight emphasised the importance of focusing on the extraordinary achievements of female athletes, stating, “We’re just focusing on celebrating the women in our room, the extraordinary efforts, and continue to celebrate three gold medals in programme history as well as the double gold for both men’s and women’s at the same time.” This sentiment reflects a commitment to elevating women’s sports and ensuring their achievements are celebrated equally.
Why it Matters
The dialogue surrounding Knight’s response and Trump’s comments highlights a significant issue within sports: the need for equitable recognition of female athletes. As both teams bask in the glow of their Olympic victories, the focus should remain on the groundbreaking achievements of women in sports. The conversation sparked by these events serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality and respect in athletics, underscoring the importance of celebrating all athletes, regardless of gender. By prioritising women’s achievements, we can cultivate a more inclusive and supportive sporting environment for future generations.
