Megan Rapinoe to Receive Presidential Medal of Freedom

Megan Rapinoe to Receive Presidential Medal of Freedom

It was announced today that Megan Rapinoe is a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The USWNT forward played a major role in the fight for equal pay for the women’s national team and regularly advocates for social issues that she is passionate about. Recently, she is very outspoken on social media platforms regarding the overturning of Roe v. Wade, releasing a video via Instagram in which she is holding back tears while expressing her perspective on the matter.

She will receive the award alongside gymnast Simone Biles.

“I just see this as a validation of all the things that I’ve stood for, not a validation for me.” 

Megan Rapinoe via Team USA

Rapinoe, captain of the OL Reign, made headlines before for her comments about not going to the White House. She is known to stay silent during the US National Anthem before games, as a protest, and used to kneel, which President Trump was against. In response to the possibility of an invitation from President Trump to the national team, she famously said, “I’m not going to the f—ing White House”. Poking fun at this, the USWNT posted a video of Twitter (below), stating “You guys. I’m going to the f—ing White House” in which she has a big smile on her face.

🗣🗣🗣🗣@mPinoe pic.twitter.com/IgYwGury49

— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) July 1, 2022

The two-time World Cup medalist also recently released a book, One Life. In the book, she advocates for social change and discusses her triumphs and struggles as an athlete in the spotlight, such as her decision to come out as gay in 2011 following the World Cup and other pivotal moments in her life. 

In their recent friendly matches against Columbia, Rapinoe returned to the team alongside Alex Morgan. Rapinoe will play with the USWNT in the Concacaf Championships – the 2023 World Cup Qualifiers – on July 4th against Haiti.