Following his pivotal role in Team USA’s gold medal victory at the Winter Olympics, Connor Hellebuyck, the men’s hockey goalie, will receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, President Donald Trump declared during his recent State of the Union address. The announcement came after Team USA’s visit to the Oval Office and was made public on the evening of the address in the House chamber.
President Trump explained that he had asked the hockey team members to vote on awarding Hellebuyck this prestigious honor during their earlier White House visit.
“The members of this hockey squad will be very happy to hear that, based on their vote, and my vote, and in this case my vote was more important, that I will soon be presenting Connor with our highest civilian honor … the Presidential Medal of Freedom,”
Trump stated.
Tributes to Hellebuyck’s Sportsmanship and Performance
The moment Team USA entered the House chamber wearing their gold medals, they received an extended standing ovation and loud “U-S-A!” chants from lawmakers on both sides. Trump remarked on the unusual show of bipartisan enthusiasm by noting,
“That’s the first time I’ve ever seen them get up,”
referring to the Democratic members of Congress.
He also praised Hellebuyck’s goalkeeping skills, declaring,
“I’ve never seen a goalie play as well as Connor Hellebuyck,”
which sparked another round of applause. During this, Hellebuyck visibly celebrated by kissing his gold medal and pumping his fist in excitement.
Hellebuyck’s performance during the championship was exceptional. He stopped 41 of 42 shots from Team Canada, including a critical save late in the third period. While the game was tied 1-1, Hellebuyck stretched out his stick behind him and deflected a close-range shot from teammate Devon Toews, preventing a potential go-ahead goal for Canada.
President Trump recalled questioning Hellebuyck about that particular play:
“I asked him, ‘The one shot, the one where you put the stick in the back, and it hit the stick and bounced off, do you practice that or was that a little lucky?’”
He added,
“He refused to answer that question.”
The gold medal game went into sudden-death three-on-three overtime, where Hellebuyck made another crucial save to keep the U.S. alive and eventually win 2-1. This victory marked the 46th anniversary of the iconic “Miracle on Ice” when the U.S. defeated the Soviet Union at the 1980 Lake Placid Olympics.
Team’s Support and Wider Recognition
President Trump noted that every team member quickly raised their hand when asked whether Hellebuyck should receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
“What a special job you did. What special champions you are. Thank you very much,”
he said, addressing the rest of Team USA’s men’s hockey squad.
While Team USA’s women’s hockey team also secured gold by beating Canada, they declined President Trump’s invitation to the State of the Union ceremony due to scheduling conflicts. Nonetheless, Trump assured that the women’s team would
“soon be coming to the White House.”
Celebrated Athletes Who Have Previously Earned the Presidential Medal of Freedom
The Presidential Medal of Freedom has been awarded to numerous outstanding athletes and coaches across various sports disciplines. The honored recipients include some of the most iconic figures in sports history, such as Tiger Woods, Michael Jordan, and Babe Ruth. The full list of athletes who have received this highest civilian honor includes:
- Connor Hellebuyck, hockey
- Simone Biles, gymnastics
- Magic Johnson, basketball
- Lionel Messi, soccer
- Jim Thorpe (posthumously), multiple sports
- Katie Ledecky, swimming
- Megan Rapinoe, soccer
- Babe Didrikson (posthumously), golf, track and field
- Tiger Woods, golf
- Jerry West, basketball
- Dan Gable, wrestling
- Jim Ryun, athletics/track and field
- Alan Page, football
- Roger Staubach, football
- Babe Ruth (posthumously), baseball
- Michael Jordan, basketball
- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, basketball
- Willie Mays, baseball
- Yogi Berra (posthumously), baseball
- Charlie Sifford, golf
- Ernie Banks, basketball
- Stan Musial, baseball
- Pat Summitt, basketball
- Dean Smith, basketball
- Bill Russell, basketball
- Billie Jean King, tennis
- Buck O’Neil (posthumously), baseball
- Frank Robinson, baseball
- Muhammad Ali, boxing
- Jack Nicklaus, golf
- Arnold Palmer, golf
- Roberto Clemente (posthumously), baseball
- John Wooden, basketball
- Hank Aaron, baseball
- Arthur Ashe (posthumously), tennis
- Richard Petty, stock car racing
- Ted Williams, baseball
- Earl Blaik, football
- Pierre Baruzy, boxing (awarded for his role in the French Resistance during World War II)
- Jackie Robinson (posthumously), baseball
- Paul Bryant (posthumously), football
- Joe DiMaggio, baseball
- Jesse Owens, track and field
- Robert J.H. Kiphuth, swimming
Historical Context and Future Recognition
The awarding of the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Connor Hellebuyck highlights the significance of his contributions to Team USA’s Olympic success and the country’s sports legacy. His heroic efforts were not only vital to securing gold but also serve as a symbol of resilience reflecting moments like the “Miracle on Ice.” This honor places Hellebuyck among a distinguished group of athletes who have left a lasting impact on American sports.
As President Trump indicated, the recognition of both men’s and women’s hockey teams at the White House reinforces ongoing national pride in U.S. Olympic achievements. The upcoming visit of the U.S. women’s hockey team to the White House is expected to further celebrate their triumph and inspire future generations of athletes.
