Add this one to the history books, ladies and gentlemen! Following the well-deserved victory of the Women’s USA hockey team at the 2026 Winter Olympics, we additionally celebrate another win and the success of one of the members of the hockey team! Team USA defender, Laila Edwards, won a gold medal along with her teammates for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, making Edwards the first African American woman to win a gold medal in the USA women’s hockey!
Defeating the Canadian female hockey team, with a 2-1 score, the USA brought yet another win for the Americas. Winning first place, the ladies of the USA hockey team took home gold medals to celebrate and recognize their success against the opposing team. While this win carries much excitement for the team, this win is especially important for Edwards.
Before her historic win of being the first African American woman to win a gold medal for hockey, Edward’s road to success was not a straight path. Overcoming financial hurdles, Edwards recalled the great challenge and struggle of growing up poor that often prevented her from taking part in the sport of hockey. As cited in Black Enterprise, Edwards recalled how, “her community crowdfunded so that she could have familial support during the games, who rallied for her all the way to the Gold event.”
As reported by The Guardian, Edward stated how, “[her community] helped me get here and make this team and achieve my dream, so it means a lot”.
Following the historic win from Edwards, many people from her Cleveland Heights community have spoken out and voiced their own pride and excitement for Edwards. Cleveland Heights resident Dena Bufford shared how “elated” she was for Edward’s success, citing how their “accessors are celebrating” during Black History Month.
And I would like to extend further praise and excitement for Edwards and her well-deserved win for the USA team. Persevering through the challenges, struggles, and financial hardships, I admire how Edwards persisted to come out on the other side. And, from one Layla to the other, I would like to end this article with one final congratulations!
