A 32-year-old Alex Morgan will be stepping on the field in Tokyo, undoubtedly feeling a lot different than when she did so nearly a decade ago in London at the Olympics. There, she was part of the team that won the gold medal in soccer and now aims to replicate that with a world cup winning squad.
At her age, soccer players are usually past their prime but still have a lot of fuel in the tank to deliver scintillating performances. Morgan has aged like fine wine and does not seem to show any signs of a decline. However, recently becoming a mother and a commitment to the family may convince her into early retirement.
Watch What’s Trending Now!
https://www.instagram.com/p/CRDwi6jrsDL/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Heading into the Tokyo Olympics this year, we certainly haven?t seen the last of Alex Morgan. When asked by FIFA.com about what keeps her on the field, the USWNT forward explained how she is on a higher platform than that.
?There are a couple of reasons. Loving the game is definitely a big one, but it also goes back to wanting to do something bigger than what I stand for on the field,? she said. ?I want to use my platform to stand for gender equality, for example.?
Alex Morgan wants to continue making her family proud
Alex Morgan and her teammate Megan Rapinoe have been active pushers for the equal pay effort. They insist of being paid the same amount as their male counterparts especially since they are currently the best in the world.?
Getty
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – AUGUST 06: Alex Morgan of USA celebrates victory during the Women’s Football Semi Final match between Canada and USA, on Day 10 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Old Trafford on August 6, 2012 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Jamie McDonald – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
However, for Morgan, it may also be some ties to home. ?
?I also want to make my family proud, and I love that they get to travel the world with me,? she said. ?It?s really unfortunate that they can?t come here to Tokyo because they help give me confidence and inspire me. This will be my first tournament without that support of my parents and my husband, and I?ll miss it. But the basic enjoyment is still at the heart of it all, yeah.?
Getty
LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 09: Alex Morgan of the USA celebrates after the USA defeaded Japan at the Women’s Football Final match between the USA and Japan on Day 13 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Wembley Stadium on August 9, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Robert Cianflone – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
Like Lionel Messi, Morgan claims she will be on the field only as long as she enjoys playing football. “The moment I stop loving what I?m doing is the moment I?ll walk away,? she said. Needless to say, she certainly has a lot of fuel in the tank and Tokyo may just see the best of her in the tournament.
