US ice hockey star Hilary Knight took a swipe at Donald Trump during an appearance on Saturday Night Live this weekend, referencing the president's recent joke about the women's Olympic team. Knight led the American women to gold in Beijing, scoring their first goal in an overtime victory over Canada.
Trump had joked after the US men's team also won gold that he would have to invite the women's team to the White House or risk impeachment, prompting laughter from some male players. Knight called the comments 'distasteful and unfortunate'. The women declined a White House visit, citing scheduling conflicts, and will celebrate at a July event organised by rapper Flavor Flav.
On SNL, Knight appeared alongside teammate Megan Keller and brothers Jack and Quinn Hughes of the men's team, all wearing their gold medals. Referring to Trump's joke, Knight said: 'It was going to be just us, but we thought we’d invite the guys too.' Keller added: 'We thought we’d give them a little moment to shine.'
Several male players have since expressed regret for laughing at Trump's remarks. Boston Bruins' Charlie McAvoy said he was 'certainly sorry for how we responded'. Knight got the last laugh on SNL, replying to Quinn Hughes' comment about the men's first gold since 1980: 'The last time we did that was two whole Olympics ago.'
Knight's gold capped her final Olympic campaign. Keller paid tribute, saying: 'She’s the leader of our group, the heartbeat. We don’t get here without her.' The victory marked a fitting end for the 32-year-old captain.
