US women’s water polo team had to crowdfund their way to Olympics until unusual benefactor stepped up

The Olympics is a rich opportunity for athletes to bring home a medal out of their hard work for their country. However, it is a dream that doesn't come true by only having the best skills. There are several challenges to making it to the team and one of them is funding. Athletes often have to figure out their way financially and can't afford to get into the competition despite their talent. Maggie Steffens, a U.S. professional water polo player and an Olympic gold medalist, expressed her opinions on the same matter in an Instagram post. The athlete gave a gist of what it’s like to acquire a spot on the national team for the Olympics and how financially challenging it can be to make it all a reality.

Steffens wrote, “There is no greater honor than representing Team USA on the Olympic stage side by side with strong, talented and driven women who empower you every day.” Adding to this, Steffens explained how many athletes, despite their brilliance, go through so much and persevere to represent the country. “Women who dedicate their whole lives to a common goal that forces you to face uncertainty and adversity when you least expect it. These selfless women are my ‘why,’” she remarked. Steffens is determined to fight and work hard year after year for her fellow teammates who put on an equally applaudable effort to be a part of the team. Steffens added more about water polo as a sport on the rise, especially for women and how it moves her.

However, she sadly explained that Olympians often need to arrange funds for themselves and just making the team is not enough. “Many of my teammates aren’t just badass champions but also teachers, business owners, coaches, physicians assistants and more," she wrote. The athlete also added, "Some may not know this, but most Olympians need a 2nd (or 3rd) job to support chasing the dream (myself included!) Most teams rely on sponsors for travel, accommodations, nutritional support, rent/lodging, and afford to live in this day and age." She further pointed out that it is often harder for women athletes to acquire such support and encouraged fans to come forward and help. People poured in overwhelming support in terms of words and applause. However, one person stepped forward most generously.

Flavour Flav, a rapper and dad, shared in a comment some hopeful news. He wrote, “As a girl dad and supporter of all women’s sports - I will personally sponsor you, my girl, whatever you need. And I will sponsor the whole team. My manager is in touch with your agent and I will use all my relationships and resources to help y’all even more. That’s a FLAVOR FLAV promise.” The US water polo team's director of marketing, Michaela Spector, shared, "Flavor Flav's star power and passion for supporting athletes will bring a new level of excitement and visibility to water polo. We are thrilled to welcome him to the USA Water Polo family." 

Flav considers it an "honor" to be supporting the US women's water polo team. He exclaimed, "Niche sports often don't get the spotlight they deserve, but they are packed with incredible talent and heart. Together, we're going to make some serious waves!" Through an extensive social media collaboration for engagement and sponsorship, Flav is hoping to kickstart much for the team.