Exclusive: US Midfielder Megan Rapinoe Shines On and Off the Field

Megan Rapinoe is not only an Olympic gold medal winning athlete at the top of her game, she is also an outspoken advocate for the equality movement, making headlines over the summer after she came out publicly in Out Magazine.

And since the news hit, Rapinoe has nothing but positive things to say about the track of both her personal and professional life.

Megan Rapinoe is not only an Olympic gold medal winning athlete at the top of her game, she is also an outspoken advocate for the equality movement, making headlines over the summer after she came out publicly in Out Magazine.

And since the news hit, Rapinoe has nothing but positive things to say about the track of both her personal and professional life.

The midfielder has an endorsement deal with NIKE, she’s on the short list for FIFA’s 2012 Women’s World Player of the Year Award, she’s a fan favorite among die hard soccer fans across the country (and the world), and is one of the most feared players on the pitch, recording 17 goals in 63 international caps.

During the women’s Olympic run, Rapinoe, one of only three out LGBT Olympians from the US, started all six games, had a team high four assists (shared with Alex Morgan), and recorded three goals, including the game winner against Colombia. The other two goals coming as game-equalizers in the hard fought semifinal match versus Canada.

And this weekend, Rapinoe is being honored by the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center at its 41^st Anniversary Gala. She will receive the Board of Directors Award for her courage in standing up against homophobia in sports.

In the days leading up to the event, Rapinoe took some time out to speak with Shewired.

SheWired: First of all, congrats on the gold medal. It was exciting to watch over here. What was the moment like when they put that medal around your neck?

Megan Rapinoe: It’s a very surreal feeling. Going back, it was just everything you ever dreamed of. But it’s hard to really feel that in one moment. It’s like the culmination of all of your childhood dreams in one moment. Yeah, I had a big grin across my face; I don’t think I got that off for a while.

You’re up for the 2012 FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year, good luck! I read that you are on the shortlist along with Alex (Morgan), Carli (Lloyd), and Abby (Wambach). What’s it like to be up against your team mates?

It’s pretty amazing actually, and I think we have one of the best teams in the world, and we have a lot of really talented players. We usually have one or two on the list every year but to have four players on the list is really amazing. And I think this year we kind of felt, especially in the Olympics, everyone at one point or another really stepped up. I don’t think there was one particular star the entire time. It’s pretty cool to have all of us recognized like that.

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