The US women’s water polo team has found an unlikely supporter and hype man in Public Enemy’s Flavor Flav.
Earlier this month, the team’s captain, Maggie Steffens, shared an Instagram post revealing they could still use financial support for the upcoming Summer Olympics in Paris. In response, Flavor Flav pledged to “sponsor/support” Steffens and the rest of the team, who are vying for their fourth consecutive gold medal.
“[I heard that] the water polo team needed some type of sponsorship, you know what I’m saying?” Flavor Flav told People magazine. “And Maggie, I heard about a lot of your accomplishments and I applaud you. I heard you got some gold medals… There’s a lot of women, I’m saying that all they want is just a chance. And all they want to do is feel like they got a chance. So I just wanted to help out, and help give women that chance that they are looking for.”
People reported that Flavor Flav is still finalizing the “details” of his financial contribution to the Olympic team but, in the meantime, he has taken up the mantle of official hype man.
In Steffens’ Instagram post, she highlighted how many Olympians — including herself — need to work second or third jobs to “support chasing the dream.” She continued, “Most teams rely on sponsors for travel, accommodations, nutritional support, rent/lodging, and simply affording to live in this day and age. Especially female sports and female athletes. We’ve had companies & amazing individuals support our sport alongside donors, USAWP & USOPC, but we always need more help.”
Speaking to People, Steffens expressed her gratitude for Flavor Flav’s support. “Is this real, this reality?” she said. “To have a Hall of Famer and somebody like him notice us and be willing to share our story, and to empower our journey, was pretty spectacular.”
Flavor Flav won’t be the only rapper playing a major role at the 2024 Summer Olympics. Earlier this year, Snoop Dogg was announced as a Special Correspondent for NBC.
See where Public Enemy’s It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back lands on our list of the 50 best hip-hop albums of all time.