2026 Winter Olympics: Donald Trump joke ‘overshadows American women’s success’ – Hilary Knight

The men’s team was criticized after several players appeared to laugh when Trump made his comment, but Knight said: “I think there’s a real level of support and respect there. That was quickly overshadowed by a gag.”

“The guys were in a tough spot, so I think it’s a shame that this story and narrative is kind of blown out of proportion [is] It overwhelms that connection and genuine concern for each other and cheers each other up.”

US men’s player Charlie McAvoy subsequently apologized for his team’s reaction, saying it “does not reflect” the way his team views the women’s team.

“Definitely sorry for how we responded to it in that moment,” the Boston Bruins player told reporters before Thursday’s NHL game. “Things happened so fast there.

“If you know the men’s team, if you know the relationships we have, the amount of time we spent with the women’s team and how we supported them, it certainly does not reflect how we feel and view them and their accomplishments.”

Knight, 36, finished her Olympic career by scoring 15 goals, the most goals scored by any American player.

She said she hopes the controversy surrounding Trump will be “a really good learning point, to really focus on the way we talk about women, not just in sports but in the industry.”

“Women are not less than themselves, and their achievements should not be overshadowed by anything other than their greatness,” she said.