Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer attended the Winter Olympics’ gold medal game for women’s hockey in Milan Thursday while on a trade mission to Italy, according to videos she posted on social media.
The USA team defeated Canada, 2-1, in overtime to take the gold.
Whitmer, a Democrat who’s in her eighth and final year as governor, tweeted a video of herself in the crowd, wearing a USA hockey jersey.
“It was amazing,” Whitmer said in the clip. “Everyone played so great. They stuck to it and won in overtime. Phenomenal.”
The Governor’s Office announced on Friday that she was traveling to Germany for an investment mission. Then, on Monday, the office said the mission was moving to Italy, where the Olympics have been taking place.
“Italy is a key partner for Michigan as we work to strengthen advanced manufacturing, defense capabilities and innovation-driven growth,” Whitmer said in the statement Monday. “By continuing our investment mission in Italy, we’re opening doors for new partnerships, expanding opportunities for Michiganders and positioning our state to compete and lead in a rapidly evolving global economy.”
The governor posted another video Wednesday of herself interviewing athletes at the Olympics who had connections to Michigan.
In her new social media post Thursday, Whitmer said Michigan was proud of Kirsten Simms and Megan Keller, two USA hockey team members from Michigan. Keller scored the game-winning goal.
It’s not currently clear how much of the cost of the current trade mission is being paid for by Michigan taxpayers. The Governor’s Office has said the venture is being funded by the Michigan Economic Development Corp. and the nonprofit Michigan Economic Development Foundation, an organization that raises money from some of the state’s largest companies to support Whitmer’s travel and other business attraction activities.
A spokeswoman for Whitmer didn’t immediately respond to a text message with questions about Whitmer’s time at the Winter Olympics.
Whitmer can’t seek reelection this fall because of Michigan’s term limits.
cmauger@detroitnews.com
This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Whitmer attends women’s hockey gold medal game while on trade mission
Reporting by Craig Mauger, The Detroit News / The Detroit News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
