US Women's Hockey Team Wins Olympic Gold—Then Declines Two Celebration Offers
The US women's ice hockey team secured their third Olympic gold medal in 2026, defeating Canada in a dramatic overtime final. Despite their victory, the team faced an unusual situation when their initial White House invitation was overlooked—only to be extended later and politely declined.
Meanwhile, rapper Flavor Flav stepped in with an offer to host a celebratory party for the athletes in Las Vegas, continuing his support for women's sports.
The women's team claimed gold in Milano Cortina, marking their third Olympic title after previous wins in 1998 and 2018. Their victory came just as the men's team ended a 46-year drought by also winning gold.
President Trump initially invited only the men's team to the White House and the State of the Union. After public attention grew, he jokingly remarked that he'd face calls for impeachment if he didn't extend the same invitation to the women. The women's team eventually received an offer but declined due to scheduling conflicts.
In response, Flavor Flav—known for his advocacy in women's sports—offered to host a Las Vegas celebration for the team. This wasn't his first gesture of support: he had previously backed the US women's rugby team at the 2024 Paris Olympics and even helped cover discus thrower Veronica Fraley's rent during the same event. However, the hockey team's prior commitments meant they had to turn down his invitation as well.
The women's team now holds three Olympic gold medals, while the men's team celebrated their first in nearly five decades. Both victories brought attention to the differing receptions they received. The team's focus remains on their achievements, even as public figures like Flavor Flav continue to champion their success.
