Making history for the US Women’s National Team, the renowned forward, Megan Rapinoe, will be the first soccer player to be granted the prestigious Presidential Medal of Freedom. With this, Rapinoe joins the short list of female athletes/coaches that have received this award.

She will receive the honor, along with fellow 2022 recipient gymnastics legend, Simone Biles. Other women athletes on the list include tennis player, Billie Jean King, Babe Didrikson Zaharias, basketball legend, Pat Summitt, and professional golfer, Annika Sorenstam.

Megan Rapinoe is over the moon

According to the White House, it is the nation’s highest civilian honor. President Joe Biden selected Megan Rapinoe not just for her achievements as a sports person but also because she has been “A prominent advocate for gender pay equality, racial justice, and LGBTQI+ rights.”

The Olympic gold medalist couldn’t contain her excitement when she received the news. At first, she calmly spoke of her gratitude for being selected. “I hope I’m doing right by everyone and making everyone proud,” she said. 

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“I hope everyone who’s ever played for this team or been into a camp or even got one call-up understands that this is for all of us. It’s not just for one player.” But as the conference came to a close, her excitement bubbled up as she gave a peace sign to the camera and shouted, “You guys, I’m going to the f***ing White House.”

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Although initially, the OL Reign captain suspected a prank by her teammates. When she picked up the call from the White House, it dawned on her that this was happening. “In that moment I spoke to the President, I was, and still am, totally overwhelmed.”

Rapinoe has denied White House invites in the past

The two-time Women’s World Cup champion has, on prior occasions, refused to step into the White House. This was during former President Donald Trump’s term in office. In 2019, as the USWNT took the FIFA Women’s World Cup by storm, captain Megan Rapinoe made headlines for something other than their performance on the field.

When a reporter asked her if she was excited to meet the President if her team won, she responded, “I’m not going to the f**king White House.” She then added, “We’re not gonna be invited…. I doubt it.”

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Her statement was in line with her long-standing stance against the former President, Donald Trump. Her refusal to go to the White House even elicited a response from President Trump himself, who asked her to “Win first before she talks”. This time, however, Rapinoe is happy to be invited and will be at the presentation of the awards at the White House on July 7, 2022.