Hilary Knight, captain of the U.S. women’s ice hockey team, spoke out after Donald Trump made a controversial comment following the men’s team’s Olympic victory. Trump joked about needing to invite the women’s team to the State of the Union or risk impeachment, sparking laughter among the men’s players.
Knight, who has five Olympic medals, called the comment a “distasteful joke” and expressed concern that it overshadowed the women’s achievements. “We should be celebrating the success of women in the Olympics instead of focusing on offhand remarks,” she said during an interview on SportsCenter.
With the men’s team celebrating a gold medal win over Canada, there was an expected camaraderie. Players like Jack Hughes, who scored the winning goal, tried to bridge the gap by showing support for the women’s team. “Everyone in that locker room knows how much we support [the women’s team],” he said.
Knight emphasized that the men’s team had been supportive. She thought it was a shame that this controversy shifted attention away from the connection both teams share.
Kelly Pannek, a two-time gold medalist from the women’s team, echoed Knight’s sentiments, noting the strong support from the men’s team. She pointed out that the phone call from Trump was unsurprising but highlighted the solidarity they felt as both teams achieved success.
In reflecting on the locker-room incident, goaltender Jeremy Swayman acknowledged the need for a different reaction. “We have so much respect for the women’s team,” he mentioned, stressing the shared pride of winning together.
After winning gold, the men’s team attended the State of the Union, while the women declined due to other commitments. Trump claimed the women would visit the Oval Office soon, but no plans have been confirmed yet.
Knight, who announced this would be her last Olympics, holds records for the most Olympic goals and points by any American hockey player. She concluded with a powerful message: “Women’s accomplishments should stand alone and be celebrated.”
This incident highlights ongoing discussions about gender equality in sports. Surveys show that a significant portion of sports fans believe women’s achievements receive less media coverage than men’s. According to a recent study, over 70% of respondents feel that female athletes face more scrutiny than their male counterparts. The conversation around these issues continues to evolve, with advocates pushing for equal representation and respect in all areas, from sports to business.
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