American women’s hockey icon Hilary Knight revealed that it was a ‘mental gymnastic challenge’ as she played through a torn MCL to help the United States win gold in Milan at the Winter Olympics.
Knight, 36, won her fifth Olympic medal and her second gold as Team USA knocked off rivals Canada in overtime to go out in a blaze of glory.
It’s possibly Knight’s final Olympics and she did not let something trivial like torn knee ligaments prevent her from playing – or from scoring the goal that tied the gold medal game and sent it to overtime.
Still, it was a stunning revelation for CBS Mornings co-host Gayle King when the star of the PWHL’s Seattle Torrent stopped by the morning talk show.
‘She played the whole time with a torn MCL… so how were you able to do that? Are you still in pain?’ King asked.
‘Yeah, I’m a little banged up,’ Knight said. ‘I’m definitely not walking around the best and I’m missing a few games for the Seattle Torrent now, but to be able to play through injury was definitely a mental gymnastic challenge for myself and also physical.
Team USA hockey star Hilary Knight won a gold medal while playing on a torn MCL
Knight revealed that she will be out for some time from the PWHL’s Seattle Torrent
Knight (second right) appeared along with other Team USA stars in the monologue for this week’s episode of Saturday Night Live hosted by ‘Heated Rivalry’ star Connor Storrie (enter)
‘But we’ve got some amazing support staff that did their best to help get me out there and perform at my best, as best as I could.’
The Torrent revealed that Knight was being placed on long-term injured reserve on Friday due to the lower-body injury she suffered.
‘While we’re eager to be at full strength and recognize the anticipation of Hilary’s return, we’re focused on putting her and our team in the best position for a playoff push,’ Torrent general manager Meghan Turner said in a statement.
‘Hilary’s leadership extends beyond her gameplay, and as we rely on her in other ways to start this half, we’re supporting her in full as she recovers.’
Knight’s goal late in the contest forced an extra period of action as the two rivals fought for glory. In overtime, her teammate – Megan Keller – blew past her defender and scored the goal that gave the US its third gold medal in women’s hockey.
Back stateside, Knight and Keller stood alongside men’s hockey team brothers Quinn and Jack Hughes when ‘Heated Rivalry’ star Connor Storrie hosted Saturday Night Live.
Knight didn’t just come home with a medal, but a fiancée as well. She proposed to her longtime partner and speed skater Brittany Bowe while at the games.
