USA hockey's Hilary Knight plans to make 2026 Milan final Olympics appearance
Hilary Knight, one of the most decorated female hockey players in the history of the sport, plans to make the 2026 Milan Olympics her fifth and final appearance at the event.
'It's time,' Knight told USA TODAY Sports. 'I have grown up in this program and it's just given me so much. I'm at peace. I just have this feeling that it's time. And I'm grateful that — hopefully I can stay healthy and everything — I can go out when I'd like to be done. That is such a privilege that only a handful of competitors get.'
Advertisement
Knight, 35, is still one of the best women's hockey players in the world. She led the PWHL in scoring this season (29 points) and was recently named a finalist for Forward of the Year.
At women's world championships back in April, Knight led Team USA in scoring en route to her record-10th gold medal at the tournament. She also broke the all-time assist record at women's worlds, where she was already the all-time goals (67) and points (120) leader at the tournament.
Knight still plans to play in the PWHL after Milan, according to USA Today. And she could continue playing with Team USA — where she's been captain since 2023 — at worlds. But Knight does not intend to play all the way through to the next Olympic cycle in 2030.
Knight currently has four Olympic medals, which is tied for the most by an American woman. Should the U.S. win a medal in Milan, Knight will become the most decorated American women's hockey player and the only five-time Olympian in U.S. women's hockey history.
Advertisement
'I've had an incredible career at the Olympic stage,' Knight said in the interview. 'And (in Milan) I will have the same mission and the same purpose, and that's to win an Olympic gold.'
This article originally appeared in The Athletic.
Olympics, Women's Hockey
2025 The Athletic Media Company
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Forbes
42 minutes ago
- Forbes
Nuni Omot Takes Olympic Lessons Into The 2025 AfroBasket
South Sudan's #05 Nuni Omot and teammates celebrate winning at the end of the men's preliminary ... More round group C basketball match between South Sudan and Puerto Rico during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at the Pierre-Mauroy stadium in Villeneuve-d'Ascq, northern France, on July 28, 2024. (Photo by Sameer Al-Doumy / AFP) (Photo by SAMEER AL-DOUMY/AFP via Getty Images) In an era where sports continue to transcend boundaries, South Sudan's debut at the Paris Olympics stands out as a powerful testament to resilience, hope, and national pride. On the hardwood of Paris, the world's youngest country did more than just compete, it announced its arrival. Among the trailblazers was Nuni Omot, a standout 6'9" forward who averaged an impressive 16.7 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.7 assists during the Games. For Omot, the moment was far more than athletic achievement, it was the embodiment of identity, purpose, and belonging. 'I had dreamed about moments like that but it's different when you're actually living it. When the flag is on your chest, and the world is watching,' Omot shared in an interview with during the BAL Playoffs, currently taking place in Pretoria, South Africa where he is currently competing with Rwanda's APR. Born in a refugee camp in Kenya and raised in Minnesota, Omot's journey mirrors the broader story of South Sudan itself, defined by adversity, endurance, and an unwavering pursuit of recognition on the world stage. As the team stood shoulder to shoulder with global giants, their presence was a bold declaration: We are here. Not just present, but worthy. Not just surviving, but contending. Omot confirmed in the interview that he has committed to representing South Sudan at the upcoming AfroBasket tournament, a continuation of a journey that's no longer just about basketball. It's about building something lasting, inspiring a new generation, and showing the world that South Sudan's rise is only just beginning. LONDON, ENGLAND: JULY 20: Nuni Omot #5 of South Sudan drives to the basket past LeBron James #6 of ... More United States during the United States V South Sudan USA basketball showcase at The O2 Arena on July 20th, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images) For Omot, the Paris games were a culmination of years of sacrifice, grit, and belief, fuelled by a relentless pursuit of representation. 'People don't realise how special the Olympics is until you're in it. You're around the best athletes in the world, and you realise: we earned this. Some people never get that chance. For us, it was long overdue.' South Sudan's journey to the Games wasn't supposed to happen this fast. Just over a decade ago, the country didn't have a pipeline, or a presence in global basketball. However, under the visionary leadership of Luol Deng, former NBA All-Star and current president of the South Sudan Basketball Federation, the program began to take shape. 'That's where it all started, with Luol,' Omot says firmly. 'He had the vision. But more than that, he built something we could all believe in. It's easy to have an idea, but when the whole team buys in? That's when it becomes real.' The team's meteoric rise has left many in the international basketball community stunned. However, Omot isn't surprised. 'We're a team of competitors. We don't care about how it looks on paper. We know who we are. We've been through a lot. And when you play for something bigger than yourself, it shows.' LILLE, FRANCE - JULY 28: Nuni Omot #5 of Team South Sudan and Carlik Jones #4 of Team South Sudan ... More react during the Men's Group Phase - Group C match between Team South Sudan and Team Puerto Rico on day two of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Stade Pierre Mauroy on July 28, 2024 in Lille, France. (Photo by) With the Olympics behind them and the 2025 AfroBasket on the horizon, South Sudan now finds itself in an unfamiliar position: the hunted, not the hunters. 'At the Olympics, people were cheering for us. They saw us as the Cinderella story,' Omot says. 'Now, they're coming for us. Everyone wants to beat the number one team in Africa.' It's a shift Omot doesn't take lightly. While the support in Paris was overwhelming, from fans, media, and even other athletes, the next phase of the journey demands even greater focus. 'We've got to stay grounded,' he says. 'Remember what got us here. The unity, the discipline, the work.' That humility is matched by a rising sense of responsibility. As one of the team's veterans, Omot is preparing to take on more leadership, both vocally and by example. LILLE, FRANCE - JULY 28: Team South Sudan celebrates after their sides victory during the Men's ... More Basketball Group Phase - Group C match between Team South Sudan and Team Puerto Rico on day two of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Stade Pierre Mauroy on July 28, 2024 in Lille, France. (Photo by Christina Pahnke - sampics/Getty Images) For Omot, the Olympics weren't just a historic milestone for South Sudan, they were a masterclass in what it takes to compete at the highest level. Now, as he looks ahead to AfroBasket, he's bringing those lessons with him. 'Just playing against the best basketball players in the world, NBA Hall of Famers, guys who will be first-ballot, it really puts things into perspective,' he says. 'The game is global now. When you face that kind of talent, you see the standard. Their discipline, their professionalism, that's what sets them apart.' One of those moments came against his basketball idol, Kevin Durant. 'To go up against him and see that level up close, it confirmed everything I believed,' Omot says. 'There's a reason he's one of the greatest. Their names will live forever.' The takeaways weren't just about talent, they were mental. Omot knows the margin between winning and losing often comes down to mindset. 'Regardless, if you make mistakes, you can't ever let that deteriorate your mindset,' he shared. 'Stepping on the floor, no matter who you play, you should always feel like you are the best player.' That unshakable belief, the same one that carried South Sudan to the Olympics, will be central to their AfroBasket campaign. For Omot, it's not just about bringing talent to the floor; it's about bringing a championship mentality, shaped by the highest level of competition the game has to offer. PRETORIA, TSHWANE - JUNE 9: Anunwa Omot #5 of Armee Patriotique looks on during the game against the ... More Rivers Hoopers Basketball Club during the 2025 Basketball Africa League Playoffs on June 9, 2025 at SunBet Arena in Pretoria, Tshwane. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Regis Hirwa/NBAE via Getty Images) South Sudan's Olympic debut is part of a broader narrative: the ascent of African basketball. The continent has long been rich in talent but starved for opportunity. That's starting to change. 'There's so much talent here,' Omot says. 'People are starting to notice. It's not just about the NBA anymore. We've got guys playing in Europe, the G-League, Asia, and of course, the BAL.' Omot has played in all of those places, but it's his recent return to the Basketball Africa League (BAL) with APR of Rwanda that speaks volumes about where his heart is. 'People ask me why I came back to the BAL. I tell them: because I care about this place. This is home. I want to grow the game here.' It's not just patriotism, it's a long-term view of impact. 'Whether it's Rwanda, Kenya, or South Sudan, it's all Africa to me. And if I can help the game grow, if I can show kids that you don't have to leave the continent to be successful, that matters.' Having already won a BAL title, Omot knows what it takes to build a championship team. At APR, he's been brought in not just for scoring and size, but for experience and leadership. 'I joined APR because they were honest with me,' he says. 'They told me how I could fit in and what they needed. I didn't want to step on anybody's toes. I wanted to add value.' APR headed into the BAL playoffs with momentum and ambition, and will compete for a podium finish come Friday. Omot has made an immediate impact, averaging 19.3 points, 2.3 assists and 5.3 rebounds per game. 'Defense wins,' he says without hesitation. 'Everyone talks about scoring, but it's stops that win games. The teams that limit mistakes and control the boards, those are the teams that win.' For Omot, the road ahead is as much about impact as it is about accolades. Beyond preparing for AfroBasket, he's thinking generationally, about what it means to give back, to create pathways, to change lives. 'There's just so much untapped talent here in Africa. One day, I hope I can do something, maybe be that scout, because I see what's possible.' It's no longer just about South Sudan being seen; it's about Africa being believed in. For Omot, that belief is the foundation of legacy. And if Paris was South Sudan's grand introduction to the world, then this next chapter is about building something that lasts, on the court, across the continent, and far beyond the final buzzer.
USA Today
43 minutes ago
- USA Today
Steph Curry will return to Tahoe celebrity golf tournament at Edgewood in summer 2025
Steph Curry will return to Tahoe celebrity golf tournament at Edgewood in summer 2025 Show Caption Hide Caption Video: Steph Curry's hole-in-one at Tahoe celebrity golf tournament Steph Curry's ace on the 152-yard hole No. 7 was his second ever and first in a tournament. Reno Gazette Journal After taking 2024 off from the celebrity golf tournament, Steph Curry will be back at Edgewood Tahoe for the 2025 event. Curry, the 2023 American Century Championship winner, is back in the field to defend his 2023 title in the 36th annual tournament July 9-13 at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course. The Golden State Warriors star had to miss the events in 2024 to play basketball for the gold-medal-winning Team USA at the Paris Olympics. In the 2023 American Century Championship at Edgewood, Curry drained an 18-foot putt on hole No. 18 to take a dramatic win over Mardy Fish. Fish won the ACC in 2024. When Curry won the ACC in 2023, he made a hole-in-one on the 152-yard 7th hole, followed by a celebratory sprint from tee to green, which was among the most prominent viral sports video highlights of 2023. It will once again be a Curry family affair with Dell and Seth Curry also joining the celebrity field of 90 sports and entertainment stars. The tournament will feature Hall of Famers from the NFL, NBA and MLB, active and retired players, and Hollywood actors, comedians and entertainers. The three-day, 54-hole event includes a $750,000 purse, with $150,000 going to the winner, plus a charity component for local and national nonprofits. The celebrity golf tournament includes fan favorites Charles Barkley, Tony Romo, Travis and Jason Kelce, Colin Jost, Miles Teller, Ray Romano, Nate Bargatze, Larry the Cable Guy, Brian Baumgartner and Jack Wagner and Jim McMahon. Those last two are the only players who have competed in every tournament. Current NFL stars include 2024 MVP Josh Allen; first-timer George Kittle of the San Francisco 49ers; Aaron Rodgers; Baker Mayfield; Davante Adams; Kyle Juszczyk; Adam Thielen; Trevor Lawrence; Matt Ryan; and New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel. NFL Hall of Famers participating at Edgewood include Jerry Rice, Steve Young, John Elway, Emmitt Smith, Marcus Allen, Charles Woodson, Tim Brown, Brian Urlacher, DeMarcus Ware and Dwight Freeney. Retired MLB superstars include Alex Rodriguez, Albert Pujols, Hall-of-Famer Joe Mauer, Kevin Millar, Jimmy Rollins and Chase Utley. More top players competing are Annika Sorenstam; Joe Pavelski, the former Dallas Stars and San Jose Sharks center; MLB Hall of Famer John Smoltz; former Red Sox pitcher Derek Lowe; and NBA Hall of Famer Ray Allen. The 2025 American Century Championship will utilize the Modified Stableford format whereby points are awarded by score per hole. The event will be televised by NBC Sports, GOLF Channel and Peacock over the course of the three days. Since its inception in 1990, the American Century Championship has donated more than $8 million to local and national non-profits including the Stowers Institute for Medical Research, a 500-person, nonprofit basic biomedical research organization.
Miami Herald
an hour ago
- Miami Herald
Countdown to 2026 World Cup has begun, and pressure is on U.S. team to improve
Soccer is making big headlines in the United States this week with the kickoff of the Club World Cup at Hard Rock Stadium on Saturday and celebrations in 11 cities across the country on Wednesday commemorating one year to go to the 2026 World Cup. All 16 World Cup host cities (11 in the United States, three in Mexico and two in Canada) unveiled countdown clocks as part of the festivities. The Miami clock was revealed at the Perez Art Museum (PAMM) in downtown in a ceremony that included city and county officials, the Miami World Cup host committee, and singer Marc Anthony. The clocks will count down to the stroke of midnight on June 11, 2026, when the tournament opens in Mexico City. The first 13 of 48 teams have already qualified, including co-hosts Canada, Mexico and the USA, who get automatic entry. The way things are going for Team USA of late, coach Mauricio Pochettino and the U.S. Soccer Federation are surely grateful for the automatic bid. The U.S. team lost 4-0 to Switzerland in a friendly in Nashville on Tuesday night, with all four goals conceded in the first half. It was the fourth loss in a row for Team USA. Among the headlines following the game: USMNT humiliated by Switzerland 4-0. USMNT thrashed 4-0 by Switzerland in final Gold Cup tune up. First half debacle dooms hapless USMNT in 4-0 friendly loss to Switzerland. Former U.S. national team stars Alexi Lalas and Landon Donovan, now Fox Sports commentators and podcasters, have not minced words in their analysis of Team USA, questioning the heart, work ethic and commitment of some players. Pochettino, an Argentine who was hired last Fall from Tottenham Hotspurs to lead the American squad, has tried to instill more passion and pride in the national badge. 'We're going through a period right now where this team is being looked at in a critical sense, and I think fairly so,' Lalas said on a conference call marking the year to go to the World Cup. 'I think more concerning is a possible apathy that has crept in towards this team. And I never thought if you would ask me, back in 1994, what the summer of 2025 a year away from the World Cup in 2026 would look like that this would be what I would come up with.' Both Donovan and Lalas stressed that there is pressure on the U.S. team to rise to the occasion. 'I also don't want to let this generation off the hook,' Lalas said. 'This is a generation that, over those last 30 plus years, everybody has worked to make sure that they have everything that they possibly need in terms of the opportunities and the resources that they have. 'And with that comes higher expectations, and I do think fair expectations, and so whoever ultimately is on that field come next summer, when that whistle blows, I hope that they recognize the opportunity, and I hope that they recognize the responsibility to further the game.' Donovan said the team's highest profile Europe-based players who have been considered locks to make the World Cup squad might be replaced by hungrier, lesser-known players if they are not careful. 'When you put the U.S. jersey on, or you get invited to a camp, it is a massive responsibility,' Donovan said, adding that he was moved by seeing 30,000 U.S. military members singing the Star Spangled Banner at a 2006 game in Germany. 'That's the level of dedication I think fans want to see.' The last time the United States hosted a men's World Cup was 1994. Lalas said the world will see next year how much soccer progress has been made in this country. 'I think the world is going to be pleasantly surprised by how far we have come in it's still a relatively short period of time, but we still have a ways to go,' Lalas said. 'A World Cup is, for lack of a better word, this circus that comes to town with a huge tent. That tent has gotten bigger, and we want to make sure that we are as welcoming and accommodating as possible, because we recognize that a lot of people are going to come in and maybe again, as far as we've come, they're going to be some people that taste test, and we hope that they get a little taste of it, and they want more, because the circus will leave town. The legacy that it leaves, that's what's important.' Other teams who have punched their tickets to the World Cup are defending champion Argentina, first-time qualifiers Jordan and Uzbekistan, as well as Australia, Brazil, Ecuador, IR Iran, Japan, Korea Republic and New Zealand. The remaining 35 teams will be confirmed by March 2026, when all the regional qualifying tournaments have concluded. World Cup tickets will go on sale to the public in the coming months. Select ticket-inclusive hospitality packages are already available. Additional hospitality packages, including for matches in Canada and Mexico, are set to go on sale in July. Fans can learn more at Messi returns to Inter Miami Lionel Messi raced back to the Inter Miami training facility Wednesday morning to prepare for the Club World Cup following Argentina's 1-1 tie with Colombia Tuesday night in World Cup qualifying. Inter Miami plays Egyptian power Al Ahly in the opening game Saturday night at Hard Rock Stadium. 'I don't think any other player's doing something like that,' said Inter Miami defender Ian Fray. 'They just played [Tuesday night] at 8 o'clock and he was already back and came straight from the airport in his full Argentina kit. You just look at that and say, `This guy's ready.' It just shows you he's taking really seriously, which you'd expect. It elavates all of our levels by being there.'
