Vice President JD Vance and Influencer Jake Paul Attend US Women's Hockey Victory at Winter Olympics
In a notable display of support at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, US Vice President JD Vance and social media influencer turned boxer Jake Paul were spotted together in the stands, enthusiastically cheering on the US women's hockey team during their commanding 5-0 win over Finland on Saturday. The high-profile spectators added a layer of celebrity and political interest to the already thrilling Olympic event.
A Family and Celebrity Affair in the Stands
Vice President Vance arrived with his family during the intermission at the end of the first period, with the US team already leading 1-0. He was joined shortly after by Jake Paul, whose presence linked the event to the broader Olympic community through his fiancée, Jutta Leerdam, a speedskater competing for the Netherlands at these Games. Vance was seen holding his youngest daughter, Mirabel, on his lap, while his wife, Usha Vance, wore a prominent "USA" sweatshirt and clapped along to Queen's iconic anthem "We Will Rock You" as the second period began.
The vice president and his wife were visibly engaged throughout the match, standing and applauding each time the US women scored a goal. Their enthusiasm mirrored the team's dominant performance on the ice, with the US securing multiple goals in quick succession to seal their victory.
Olympic Legends and Team Reactions
The seating area near Vance and Paul was star-studded, featuring 2010 Olympic figure skating gold medalist Evan Lysacek and hockey's legendary twin sisters, Hall of Famers Jocelyne Lamoureux-Davidson and Monique Lamoureux-Morando, who were key members of the US gold medal-winning team at the 2018 Winter Games. This gathering of past and present Olympic greats underscored the significance of the event.
For Vance, this marked his second time watching the US women's hockey team at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, having previously attended their 5-1 opening game victory over Czechia on Thursday at the Milano Rho Ice Hockey Arena. His repeated attendance highlights a strong interest in supporting the team throughout the competition.
Players Unaware but Appreciative of High-Profile Support
US player Taylor Heise expressed excitement upon learning that Vance and Paul were in attendance, though she admitted the team was unaware during the game itself. "I know (teammate) Abbey Murphy wants to meet Jake Paul, so we'd love to set that up," Heise said, adding, "None of us knew that they were here, actually. Just happy to be playing, and whoever's there gets to watch the show, because I think we're pretty good."
The US players have a particular familiarity with Paul due to his relationship with Jutta Leerdam, who competes in speedskating against US hockey captain Hilary Knight's girlfriend, Brittany Bowe. Heise noted, "I know his fiancée, Jutta, we've watched her work out. She's phenomenal. We're excited to go and watch her and obviously we're cheering on Brit Bowe." This connection adds a personal dimension to the team's interactions with the celebrity attendees.
The presence of such prominent figures at the Olympics not only boosts morale for the athletes but also brings increased attention to women's sports on a global stage, reinforcing the spirit of camaraderie and competition that defines the Winter Games.
