Discus thrower Veronica Fraley‘s focus on the Paris Olympics became a reality when her rent was paid following a heartfelt public plea for financial help. This outpouring of support came from two unexpected benefactors: hip-hop icon Flavor Flav and Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, who is also the husband of tennis legend Serena Williams.
Despite their generous assistance, Fraley narrowly missed advancing to the Olympic discus final, finishing 13th in the qualifying round, just one spot shy of making it to the final.
The financial support saga began when Fraley expressed her distress on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, highlighting her struggles with rent despite her upcoming Olympic competition. She noted that her school had only covered 75% of her rent, contrasting this with the substantial financial support provided to football players. Fraley’s post read, “I compete in the Olympic Games TOMORROW and can’t even pay my rent. My school only sent about 75% of my rent while they pay football players (who haven’t won anything) enough to buy new cars and houses.”
Flavor Flav, known for his role in the rap group Public Enemy and his support for the U.S. women’s water polo team, was quick to respond. He assured Fraley, “I gotchu. DM me and I’ll send payment TODAY so you don’t have to worry bout it TOMORROW, and imma be rooting for ya tomorrow.”
Alexis Ohanian soon joined in, offering to split the cost with Flavor Flav. He confirmed their combined support less than two hours later with a tweet that included a screenshot of a money transfer for $7,760 to Fraley. Ohanian’s tweet read, “Update! It is done,” confirming the successful transaction.
Flavor Flav further expressed his support by promising to attend Fraley’s competition in person. He added, “Man of my word, and Imma try and come by and support you in person tomorrow. LMK what time.”
Fraley’s original plea garnered significant attention, amassing 18 million views on X, underscoring the power of social media and community support in times of need.
In addition to his support for Fraley, Ohanian has committed to providing substantial financial incentives for athletes competing in his Athlos NYC women-only track meet on September 26. He promised $60,000 to any of the 36 athletes who win a gold medal in Paris, supplementing the $60,000 prize for winners at the Athlos event.
This act of generosity and support from Flavor Flav and Alexis Ohanian highlights the challenges athletes face and the power of community and unexpected allies in helping them achieve their dreams.
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