American rapper Flavor Flav has joined the USA bobsleigh and skeleton team as a “hype man” ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina, bringing his trademark energy to the squad.
‘Coolest Runnings’ partnership
The Public Enemy founding member was announced as the team’s official sponsor on Monday. The 66-year-old visited the 2002 Olympic track in Utah earlier this week, even taking part in both skeleton and bobsleigh sessions.
“The partnership is a blessing. It’s cooler than Cool Runnings. It’s Coolest Runnings,” Flav said, referencing the popular 1993 movie about the Jamaican bobsleigh team.
This isn’t his first Olympic connection — Flavor Flav acted as the official hype man for the US women’s water polo team at the Paris 2024 Games. He also teamed up with Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian to provide financial assistance to US discus thrower Veronica Fraley after she shared concerns over paying rent.
Energy boost for Team USA
USABS CEO Aron McGuire praised the rapper’s passion for sport, saying: “Flavor Flav embodies the same grit, dedication, and pride that define our athletes, and we’re excited to have him bring that excitement to our team and fans across the country.”
Flav — born William Jonathan Drayton — surprised officials by insisting on trying the skeleton from a higher start point than planned. On his second run, he reached speeds of up to 67mph.
US skeleton athlete Dan Barefoot was impressed: “Oh my gosh, he’s one of the coolest, most adventurous men that I’ve ever met… I was kind of upset at how good he was.”
Olympic countdown begins
Team members say his presence has lifted morale, with athletes celebrating together thanks to his infectious personality.
The 2026 Winter Olympics will take place from 6–22 February.
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