MILAN — The advantage of being an Olympic power couple is undeniable.
In 2024, a routine cross-country journey from Salt Lake City to Boston for athletes Brittany Bowe and Hilary Knight took an unexpected turn. Just 20 minutes outside Park City, Utah, they were pulled over due to the tint on Knight’s vehicle windows. The U.S. women’s hockey captain explained their travel plans, ultimately resulting in a warning rather than a ticket. This incident humorously highlighted the perks of their prominent athletic statuses.
The duo, both in their Olympic swan songs, are aiming for a golden conclusion to their illustrious careers. Knight, aged 36, and Bowe, 37, collectively boast an impressive nine Olympic appearances and six Olympic medals. Their shared journey through elite sports has made them one of the most recognized pairs in the Winter Games.
Olympic Legends: A Combined Legacy
Brittany Bowe is set to compete in the women’s 500 meters this Sunday, where she is a formidable presence. Her impressive resume includes Olympic bronze medals in the team pursuit and the 1,000 meters. She also holds the current world record in her signature 1,000-meter distance, a testament to her enduring speed and skill on the ice.
Meanwhile, Hilary Knight has already propelled the United States into Monday’s Olympic semifinal, solidifying her status as one of the globe’s most decorated female hockey players. Her accolades include an Olympic gold medal, three Olympic silvers, and an astounding 10 world championship medals. Knight also holds the U.S. record for Olympic goals with 14, a remarkable achievement that underscores her offensive prowess. Beyond her on-ice heroics, she played a pivotal role in the founding of the Professional Women’s Hockey League.
Unlikely Beginnings and Enduring Admiration
Despite her intimidating professional record, Hilary Knight presented a surprisingly soft-spoken demeanor when she first connected with Brittany Bowe. Their bond truly blossomed in the Beijing Olympic village in 2022, where Knight approached Bowe to join her on daily walks. Bowe affectionately describes Knight as “Captain America,” a title she utters while puffing out her chest, indicating the immense respect and admiration she holds for her partner’s athletic and personal qualities.
Brittany Bowe has been a prominent figure in the speedskating world since she first established a world record in 2013. A former Division I basketball player, she transitioned to speedskating from inline skating in 2010. Her 1,000-meter world record, set in 2019 with a time of 1 minute, 11.61 seconds, continues to stand, showcasing her unparalleled speed and dedication to her sport.
The Power of Two Sports
The distinct worlds of speedskating and ice hockey, while both demanding peak athletic performance, offer unique challenges and perspectives. Knight has openly expressed her fascination with Bowe’s sport, admiring the precision and speed required. Conversely, Bowe has shared anecdotes about their playful competitive spirit, even claiming she can outpace Knight on hockey skates, albeit with a humorous caveat about her turning abilities.
Their paths had crossed briefly at prior Olympic events, but it was the strict protocols of the Beijing Olympics that truly fostered their connection, turning shared walks into cherished moments. Their relationship has since become a source of inspiration for fans, highlighted by Knight’s social media declaration of Bowe as her “favorite Olympian.” This mutual respect and admiration underscore the deep bond between these two extraordinary athletes.
