At 66 years old, William Jonathan Drayton Jr., better known as Flavor Flav, has taken on an unexpected new role: official hype man for the USA Bobsled and Skeleton team. The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, founding member of the legendary hip-hop group Public Enemy, and reality TV personality recently discovered a thrilling new passion—sliding down icy Olympic tracks at high speeds. This past week, Flavor Flav spent time with the U.S. bobsled and skeleton athletes at the 2002 Olympic track in Park City, Utah, immersing himself in the sport and the team’s culture, a partnership now formally announced by USA Bobsled and Skeleton.
Flavor Flav’s introduction to the sport came with a taste of adrenaline: he reached a speed of 67 miles per hour on the bobsled track, a remarkable feat for a newcomer of any age. His enthusiasm for sliding was immediate and infectious. “The partnership is a blessing,” he said. “It’s cooler than Cool Runnings. It’s Coolest Runnings.” The reference playfully nods to the beloved 1993 movie about the Jamaican bobsled team, highlighting Flav’s excitement about joining a winter sport that combines speed, skill, and teamwork in a uniquely thrilling environment.
During his visit, Flavor Flav didn’t just observe—he actively participated. After trying out the bobsled, he also set his sights on skeleton, a high-speed winter sliding sport in which athletes hurtle down an icy track headfirst, reaching speeds over 80 mph. For safety, team officials initially had him start from a lower section of the track, common practice for beginners. However, Flav was eager to challenge himself and requested to start from a higher point, increasing the difficulty and intensity of the run. Eventually, he got his chance and clocked an impressive 67 mph on his second skeleton run.
His natural aptitude for the sport surprised even the seasoned athletes. Dan Barefoot, a U.S. skeleton competitor, praised Flav’s adventurous spirit and skill, calling him “one of the coolest, most adventurous men that I’ve ever met.” Barefoot noted that Flav was frustrated by safety restrictions that prevented him from starting higher on the track, underscoring his determination and competitive spirit. “I was kind of upset at how good he was,” Barefoot said. “It’s a sport that takes a lot of skill, but he made it look straightforward.”
Flavor Flav’s energy and charisma have long made him a beloved figure in the world of entertainment and sports. Known for his vibrant personality and iconic clock necklace, he has frequently combined his celebrity with sports events in a variety of ways. For example, last year he served as the celebrity mayo-pourer at the Duke’s Mayo Bowl, where he playfully doused Minnesota’s football coach P.J. Fleck with five gallons of mayonnaise in celebration of the team’s victory. He’s also a familiar presence during Super Bowl week festivities and has supported prominent athletes like tennis legend Billie Jean King and discus thrower Veronica Fraley.
His involvement in sports extends beyond mere appearances. At the 2024 Paris Olympics, Flavor Flav served as the official hype man for the U.S. women’s water polo team, bringing his trademark enthusiasm and motivational energy to the athletes. This new role with the USA Bobsled and Skeleton team continues that tradition, providing the team with a morale boost and helping to energize both athletes and fans alike.
Barefoot described the effect Flavor Flav has had on the team’s atmosphere. “We have all been so hyped to have him with us,” he said. Beyond his reputation as a legendary hype man, Flav’s presence has fostered a unique camaraderie within the group. “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.”
The connection between Flavor Flav and the team has quickly grown personal. Many athletes received his personal cell phone number, a sign of genuine friendship and accessibility. Some team members even joined him at a Maroon 5 concert over the weekend, blending sports and entertainment into a memorable bonding experience. Looking ahead, Flavor Flav plans