The Paris Summer Olympics may have come to a close, but the celebrations are far from over for hip hop icon Flavor Flav and the U.S. Women’s Water Polo Team. Over the weekend, the 65-year-old rapper and reality TV star reunited with several members of the team he sponsored during the Games, treating them to an unforgettable celebration in Las Vegas.
The reunion took place in true Vegas style, with Flav and the athletes staying at the luxurious Conrad Las Vegas at Resorts World. The festivities included taking in a performance from Carrie Underwood’s residency, enjoying a lavish dinner at the trendy restaurant Fuhu, and capping off the night with a high-energy party at the Zouk Nightclub.
Among the water polo stars who joined the Las Vegas celebration were team captain Maggie Steffens, Rachel Fattal, Jordan Raney, Ashleigh Johnson, and Emily Ausmus. The weekend was a chance for the athletes to unwind and celebrate their accomplishments in Paris, where they represented the United States with pride and excellence.
Flavor Flav shared highlights of the Vegas getaway on his Instagram, expressing his pride and admiration for the team. “Brought some of the Team USA Water Polo Women out to Vegas,,, imma so proud of all these women. Look at all the support and attention brought to this sport and women’s athletics. We changing the game and that is something BIG to celebrate,” he wrote, alongside clips and photos from the trip.
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Flav went on to thank USA Water Polo and the athletes for embracing him as part of their journey. “Thankx to USAWP and all the players for welcoming me on the team and accepting my sponsorship. Paris was a special experience of my life and we just getting started!!” he added, hinting that his involvement with the team is far from over.
The bond between Flavor Flav and the U.S. Women’s Water Polo Team began earlier this year when the rapper responded to a plea from Steffens for financial support.
During a July appearance on CBS Mornings with Steffens, Flav spoke about his deep respect for the team’s dedication and hard work. “These women out here… the women’s water polo team, they out there bustin’ their butt to make the United States look good,” he told hosts Gayle King and Nate Burleson. “And they chasin’ this dream, you know what I’m sayin’?”
Steffens has been overwhelmed by the love and enthusiasm Flav has shown for the team. Reflecting on their unexpected partnership, she told King and Burleson, “I was definitely surprised. I was really excited. When Flav responded it was definitely not who I expected. But it has been a beautiful, beautiful relationship that has changed and he’s really opened up a lot of doors and truly been a hype man for us. It’s been amazing.”
During the interview, Flav surprised Steffens by announcing that his sponsorship would continue beyond the Olympics, including a Virgin Voyage cruise for the team and a $1,000 bonus for each player. “That’s amazing,” Steffens responded, visibly shocked. “I’m elated, that’s amazing. Thank you so much!”
Flavor Flav first spoke about his partnership with the U.S. Women’s Water Polo Team in an interview back in May. “I heard that the water polo team needed some type of sponsorship, you know what I’m saying?” Flav explained. “And Maggie, I heard about a lot of your accomplishments and I applaud you. I heard you got some gold medals and all that great stuff. I want to see you continue that and further that.”
As the women’s water polo team continues to train and compete, they can count on Flavor Flav’s unwavering support, not just as a sponsor, but as a passionate advocate for their sport. The Vegas celebration was a testament to the unique bond they’ve formed—a blend of athletic excellence and the unlikeliest of friendships that continues to inspire and entertain.
