The decision by President Trump to award the Presidential Medal of Freedom to U.S. men’s hockey goalie Connor Hellebuyck, but not to women’s team goalie Aerin Frankel, has sparked debate among sports fans and observers. The move came during the State of the Union address on Tuesday, where Hellebuyck and his teammates were invited to celebrate their gold medal win.
Olympic Performances: A Tale of Two Teams
Both the men’s and women’s U.S. hockey teams achieved gold at the recent Winter Olympics, marking a historic win for the men’s team after a 46-year drought. Hellebuyck was instrumental in securing the men’s victory, stopping 41 of 42 shots in the final game, including a key save that prevented Canada from taking the lead. His overall save percentage throughout the undefeated run was an impressive .956 (allowing only six goals out of 137 shots).
Frankel, meanwhile, delivered a nearly flawless performance for the women’s team, allowing only one goal in 99 shots faced during their gold medal journey—a save percentage of .980. She stopped all but one of 31 shots in overtime against Canada, sealing the win. The women’s team secured their third-ever Olympic gold since the sport’s inclusion in 1998.
Why It Matters
The decision to honor only the men’s team raises questions about gender equity in recognition of athletic achievements. While the president has stated that the women’s team will be invited to the White House “soon,” the initial omission has fueled criticism. Some argue that overlooking Frankel diminishes her exceptional contribution to the U.S. Olympic success.
The Political Context
The controversy is further complicated by the women’s team’s prior decision to decline an invitation to attend Trump’s State of the Union address, citing “scheduling conflicts.” Trump had previously made a pointed remark about being “obligated” to invite them, which some interpreted as condescending.
The decision appears to be at least partially a result of the women’s team declining the invitation to the SOTU address, though the Medal of Freedom is intended for those who distinguish themselves through exceptional merit.
The omission of Aerin Frankel, despite her outstanding Olympic performance, underscores the ongoing debate around gender equality in sports recognition and the intersection of politics and athletics.
