PARK CITY, Utah (AP) — At 66 years previous, Taste Flav went 67 mph. That was all it took to get him hooked on sliding.
Meet the most recent fan of the U.S. bobsled and skeleton program: a Rock and Roll Corridor of Famer, a founding member of Public Enemy, a actuality present star and now, an aspiring slider. USA Bobsled and Skeleton introduced Flav as its new official hype man Monday, not lengthy after he spent a pair days across the staff on the 2002 Olympic monitor in Utah.
And he plans to be with the staff on the Milan-Cortina Olympics in February.
“The partnership is a blessing,” Flav stated. “It’s cooler than Cool Runnings. It’s Coolest Runnings.”
The 66-year-old Flav — his authorized identify is William Jonathan Drayton Jr. — hung out with the bobsled and skeleton groups this previous week. He went down the Park Metropolis monitor in a bobsled, then additionally wished to check out skeleton, the headfirst sliding sport the place elite athletes can attain speeds exceeding 80 mph.
Workforce officers wished Flav to begin from a low spot on the monitor, as is the case with all first-timers for security causes. Flav didn’t essentially like that; he wished to begin from greater up, considerably elevating the extent of problem. Ultimately, he acquired his likelihood and he hit 67 mph on his second run.
For an everyday particular person simply making an attempt the game, that is distinctive. No phrase on whether or not he used his catch phrase, ‘Yeah, boyeeeee.’
“Oh my gosh, he’s one of the coolest, most adventurous men that I’ve ever met,” U.S. skeleton athlete Dan Barefoot informed The Related Press. “He was upset that he couldn’t go from higher up on the track. … I was kind of upset at how good he was. It’s a sport that takes a lot of skill, but he made it look straightforward.”
Flav and sports activities usually go hand-in-hand.
He was a star mayo-pourer — sure, there’s such a job — on the Duke’s Mayo Bowl final yr, serving to to douse Minnesota coach P.J. Fleck with 5 gallons of celebratory condiment after the Golden Gophers gained that sport. He may be discovered performing throughout Tremendous Bowl weeks. He was there to point out assist when Billie Jean King acquired her star on the Hollywood Stroll of Fame. He’s been a giant supporter of Olympians up to now, together with discus thrower Veronica Fraley.
And on the Paris Olympics, Flav was the official hype man for the U.S. ladies’s water polo staff.
“We have all been so hyped to have him with us,” Barefoot stated. “Put aside the fact that Flav is one of the greatest hype men of all time, the energy in the room … you had people who often aren’t talking to each other high-fiving and hugging because of the experience of being around him. There’s a lot of energy and a lot of confidence around us right now.”
Many members of the staff acquired Flav’s private cellphone quantity, and a few additionally acquired to affix him at a Maroon 5 live performance over the weekend. And when the Olympics are over, Flav plans to return to Park Metropolis to participate in a camp for sliders.
“We are thrilled to welcome Flavor Flav as an official sponsor and hype man for USA Bobsled/Skeleton,” USA Bobsled and Skeleton CEO Aron McGuire stated. “It’s clear he has a genuine passion for sports and an authentic love for the USA team. Flavor Flav embodies the same grit, dedication, and pride that define our athletes, and we’re excited to have him bring that excitement to our team and fans across the country.”
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AP Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/winter-olympics
