The Trump Olympic joke has sparked controversy after Team USA achieved historic gold medals in both men’s and women’s ice hockey at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. Critics say the remark distracted from the women’s team, overshadowing their outstanding performance on the world stage.
The United States took home gold medals in men’s hockey and women’s hockey at the Winter Games of Milan-Cortina. This was the first time that the United States won both gold medals at the same Games. The public instead of celebrating the rare win turned their attention to an impromptu comment made by the team’s coach during a call congratulating them.
Donald Trump’s Comments
Trump invited the team to Washington for his State of the Union Address. He congratulated the hockey players and wished them well.
He said that the men’s team would need to be invited, or else he could “probably” face impeachment.
Women’s team declines invitation
Knight called the comments “disgusting” and claimed that they distracted attention from the hard work of the athletes.
She said that women should have been the focus of attention, as they were responsible for Team USA’s Olympic success.
She defended both the women’s and men’s teams. Knight believes that there’s genuine respect between the two teams. She believes that the online reaction exaggerated and diverted attention from the unity and support among US hockey.
Hilary Knight’s Historic Record
Knight ended her Olympic career by scoring 15 goals. This makes Knight the most prolific goal-scorer in US Olympic Hockey history.
Knight stated that women are not less than men. Knight said that women’s achievements must stand alone.
