U.S. Women’s Water Polo Team Draws Inspiration from Taylor Swift Ahead of Paris Olympics

PARIS (AP) — The U.S. women’s water polo team, led by star player Maggie Steffens, is looking to channel the energy of Taylor Swift as they prepare for the upcoming Paris Olympics. The team attended one of Swift’s Eras Tour concerts at La Défense Arena in May, the same venue where the final rounds of their tournament will take place. With aspirations of securing their fourth consecutive gold medal, the team is eager to embrace the pressure of performing in such a prestigious setting. Following the concert, Steffens revealed that the team held a meeting to discuss their ambitions. “If we get the chance to play in La Défense Arena, we want to be like her,” she stated, emphasizing their desire to thrive under pressure while enjoying the experience. The team aims to replicate Swift's ability to captivate an audience and make the most of their moment in the spotlight. The connection to Swift was made possible when the team’s manager, Ally Beck, reached out to the musician’s representatives, resulting in the team receiving concert tickets as a gift. Flavor Flav, the newly appointed hype man for USA Water Polo, also played a role in securing the tickets, highlighting the excitement surrounding the collaboration. Steffens expressed the significance of witnessing Swift’s performance, calling it “magical” and a testament to the power of women in sports and entertainment. The U.S. team is now focused on translating that inspiration into success at the Olympics.