Laila Edwards, the first black player on the U.S. women’s ice hockey team, won an Olympic gold medal with the support of her family.
The United States took the top spot by beating rival Canada 2-1 in the women’s ice hockey final at the 2026 Milan/Cortina d’Ampezzo Winter Olympics held at the Santa Giulia Arena in Milan, Italy on the 20th (Korean time).
Edwards played a key role in this tournament and contributed to the offensive development in the final.
At the end of the third period, when the U.S. was down 0-1, Edwards assisted Hilary Knight’s equalizer. The United States ended the game by scoring the winning goal in overtime.
Immediately after the game, Edwards raised his hand toward his family in the stands. Ernestine Gray, a 91-year-old grandmother, also watched the game from the field.
According to the Associated Press, it was initially difficult for Edwards’ family to visit Milan due to cost issues. It took a considerable amount of money to move a family of 10 from Cleveland Heights, Ohio, and only a portion of the family could travel with their own funds.
Afterwards, local residents and fans began raising money, and a total of $61,000 (approximately 88 million won) was raised through the ‘GoFundMe’ account opened by the father. Cleveland NFL players Travis and Jason Kelce also donated $10,000. The two players initially participated anonymously.
As a result, 10 family members and 4 acquaintances visited the site, and Edwards confirmed his victory with his family watching.
“Knowing my family is here means everything to me,” Edwards said after the game. “It means more than words to show the people who helped me get here to see my dream come true.”
©’Global economic newspaper in 5 languages’ Aju Economic Daily. Reproduction and redistribution prohibited.
