Flavor Flav's Olympic Antics: From Bobsled Mishap to 2028 Torch Relay Dreams

The iconic rapper is bringing his signature energy and enthusiasm to supporting Team USA, but accidentally damaged a bobsled during a photo op.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Flavor Flav, the legendary rapper known for his time with the group Public Enemy, has become a fixture at the Olympics in recent years. The self-described "adrenaline junkie" has tried his hand at bobsledding and skeleton racing, and is now serving as a hype man and supporter for Team USA in Cortina-Milan. However, during a recent photo op, Flav accidentally damaged an important piece of Olympic equipment when he lost his balance and fell out of a display bobsled. Despite the mishap, the rapper remains enthusiastic about the games and is even teasing a potential role as a torchbearer for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.

Why it matters

Flavor Flav's involvement with the Olympics highlights the growing trend of celebrities and entertainers using their platforms to show support for national teams and athletes. While his antics may sometimes veer into the comedic, his genuine enthusiasm and energy have helped to generate excitement and interest around the games, particularly among younger audiences.

The details

During a previous Olympics, Flav pledged financial support to the U.S. water polo team. Now, he's serving as a hype man and supporter for Team USA in Cortina-Milan, though the extent of his financial contributions is unclear. Recently, during a photo op with a display bobsled, Flav accidentally broke an important piece of equipment when he lost his balance and fell out of the sled. Despite the mishap, the rapper remained upbeat, joking "Ain't my fault." Looking ahead, Flav is now teasing a potential role as a torchbearer for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, where he hopes to continue supporting and encouraging American athletes with his signature energy and positivity.

  • Flav first got involved with supporting the Olympics a few years ago.
  • During a previous Olympics, Flav pledged financial support to the U.S. water polo team.
  • Flav recently tried out bobsledding and skeleton racing in Park City, Utah.

The players

Flavor Flav

A legendary rapper known for his time with the group Public Enemy, who has become a fixture at the Olympics in recent years as a hype man and supporter for Team USA.

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What they’re saying

“I went to Park City, and I took a bobsled ride in the four-man bobsled...that ride was crazy! But I really enjoyed it. I'm an adrenaline junkie. I'm a big kid. I never grew up. I like exciting things.”

— Flavor Flav (CNN)

“Oh man, I gotta try that!”

— Flavor Flav (CNN)

“Ain't my fault.”

— Flavor Flav (mensjournal.com)

What’s next

Flav hopes to play a role in the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, possibly as a torchbearer.

The takeaway

Flavor Flav's involvement with the Olympics showcases the growing trend of celebrities and entertainers using their platforms to generate excitement and support for national teams and athletes. While his antics may sometimes veer into the comedic, his genuine enthusiasm and energy have helped to make the games more accessible and engaging for younger audiences.