Rapper Flavor Flav has revealed how he became an official sponsor and cheerleader for the United States women’s water polo team at the 2024 Summer Olympics.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer joined the team in Paris, which is looking to win a fourth gold medal for the United States in the sport, as the games are set to begin this week. His trip to France comes after signing a five-year sponsorship deal with the team earlier this year.
Speaking at a press conference, Flavor Flav narrated how he ended up in his role after seeing a story from one of the players.
“It all started when Maggie Steffens posted a story, you know what I mean,” she said. “My agent recommended it to me. When I read it, I was like, ‘I’d love to get involved and, you know, help these girls.'”
“Because these girls are on a journey,” the rapper continued. “They’ve been on a journey, a fantastic journey.”
Flavor Flav Reveals How He Became the Official Cheerleader for the U.S. Women’s Water Polo Team
“Flavor Flav saw that and something about it sparked his interest,” Steffens said. “I know he commented ‘baby girl dad,’ which was pretty cool. He’s since reached out and I think it’s been a total blessing.
“It’s been a great energy, a great support. It’s been really great in giving us back the light.”
Flavor Flav fully embraced his role and even joined the team in the pool and scored a goal against goalkeeper Ashleigh Johnson. He also praised Johnson for inspiring black athletes to take up the sport.
“My main goal is to encourage this team to get their fourth gold medal,” she said. “My goal is to push these girls. I’m having a lot of fun doing this,” she said. “I just want to thank the girls as well for accepting my offer to sponsor the team.”
The rapper decided to sponsor the team after seeing a story from player Maggie Steffens
Flavor Flav praised goalkeeper Ashleigh Johnson for encouraging black athletes
The U.S. women’s water polo team will open the group stage on Saturday against Greece.
“I think if I get in the water with Ashleigh, I can probably encourage more black people to play water polo. There aren’t too many black people playing it, but I know there are a lot of black people who can play it.
“Ashleigh is such an inspiration to black communities. I commend and praise her.”
The team will open the group stage on Saturday against Greece.