The captain of the U.S. women’s ice hockey team, Hilary Knight, has voiced her discontent with comments made by former President Donald Trump following the gold medal victories of both the men’s and women’s teams at the Winter Olympics. Speaking in a recent interview, Knight emphasised that Trump’s remarks are detracting from the significant achievements of the women’s team, who also secured a prestigious gold medal.
Trump’s Call to the Men’s Team
Following their triumphant win against Canada, the U.S. men’s hockey team received a congratulatory phone call from Trump, who jested about needing to invite the women’s team to the White House to celebrate their success. “I must tell you, we’re going to have to bring the women’s team,” he stated, adding in a light-hearted tone, “You do know that. I do believe I probably would be impeached.” This exchange quickly went viral, drawing mixed reactions from fans and commentators alike.
Knight’s Reaction to Overshadowing Comments
During a SportsCenter interview, Knight, a seasoned competitor with five Olympic medals, described Trump’s quip as “distasteful,” saying it clouds the accomplishments of women athletes who have represented Team USA with great distinction. “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,” Knight said.
She reiterated the importance of celebrating the women’s team’s achievements, not just as athletes but as trailblazers for future generations. “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,” she added.
Backlash and Support
The controversy did not stop with Knight’s comments. Jack Hughes, who scored the decisive goal for the men’s team, also weighed in during an appearance on Good Morning America. He expressed disappointment over the narrative surrounding Trump’s remarks, asserting that there is mutual respect and support between the men’s and women’s teams. “I think everyone in that locker room knows how much we support … how proud we are of them [the women’s team],” Hughes stated.
In a separate interview, Hughes expressed frustration with the politicisation of sports, asserting, “Everything is so political; we’re athletes, we’re so proud to represent the U.S.” He underscored the honour of visiting the White House, saying it is a patriotic experience for athletes.
The Women’s Team’s Decision
Despite the invitation to celebrate their accomplishments at the White House, the U.S. women’s team chose to decline. They cited existing academic and professional commitments as the primary reasons for their decision, suggesting that their priorities lie in their careers and commitments beyond the rink.
Kelly Pannek, a two-time Olympic gold medallist and Knight’s teammate, commented on the situation, noting that while Trump’s remarks were unsurprising, both teams share a deep respect for each other’s achievements. “It really was such a special feeling being there, even being able to spend time with them after their win and the respect they were showing us,” she said.
Why it Matters
The dialogue surrounding Trump’s comments highlights a broader conversation about gender equity in sports and the visibility of women athletes. As women in hockey continue to break records and earn accolades, it is crucial that their successes are celebrated on equal footing with their male counterparts. Knight’s response serves as a reminder that while sports can often become a platform for political discourse, the focus should remain on the athletes and their remarkable accomplishments, paving the way for future generations to excel.