Knight Deflects Trump Joke to Celebrate Women's Sports

U.S. Olympic hockey player Hilary Knight has responded to a "distasteful joke" made by President Donald Trump regarding the gold-medal winning women's team. Knight urged the public to concentrate on the historic achievements of American women at the Milan Cortina Games, rather than on the remark. The team celebrated three gold medals in their program history and a concurrent double gold for both men's and women's hockey. Trump had made a joke about inviting the women's team to the White House. While the men's team visited the White House shortly after their victory, the women's team cited logistical challenges, including weather-related flight rerouting, for their inability to make an immediate visit.

Knight expressed disappointment that the video of the exchange had overshadowed the genuine support between the men's and women's teams. She described the incident as a "really good learning point" that could influence how women are discussed in sports. Other players, like Kelly Pannek, echoed sentiments of mutual respect. Goaltender Jeremy Swayman suggested the men's team could have reacted differently to the remarks. The women's team may have an opportunity to visit the White House in late spring after their professional season concludes. Knight asserted that women's achievements should be celebrated for their greatness.