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copperbadge · 4 months ago

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I’ve been watching a lot of Olympic surfing since it’s soothing and beautiful sprinkled with moments of mouth-dropping excitement and it got me thinking - would Monday compete for Askazer-Shivadlakia? I could totally see the royal family on a boat screaming at the top of their lungs for her :D

I see you've seen the picture of the king and queen of the Netherlands at the Olympics :D

[ID: A photograph of two people wearing orange hats and sunglasses, looking very much like a mom and dad cheering on their kid; the woman has a floral peasant blouse on, and the man is wearing a ring tee that reads PARIS with a VIP badge around his neck.]

I swore I had made a post about Monday competing in the Olympics but it turns out it was a discussion carried out in comments. :D So allow me to elaborate....

To represent a country in the Olympics you have to be a "national" of said country. Broadly, that's anyone who has significant allegiance to a country. By the time August 2024 rolls around Monday will have been a resident for two years and she has a royal visa plus biological children who are citizens, and her brother-in-law is the elected head of state, so I'm thinking that qualifies. Fons-Askaz is a popular surf spot but it's mostly tourists, so she's not taking a spot from someone who should be representing the country, which is important to her. One reason Monday and Eddie like Shivadh culture so much is that it's very like their own -- sportsmanship is a closely held value.

Now, not to be a killjoy, but would Monday choose to compete in the Olympics? Like a lot of sports, surfing has its own competitions, and does she want to associate with an organization that she must, being her, have serious ethical concerns over? Setting aside that she's competing in Tahiti, and I can't find much coverage about how Tahitians feel about that, olympic host cities regularly do brutal clearances of unhoused and poor people, constantly overspend on elaborate athletic facilities that then rot emptily, and in the case of Paris, create what critics have called a "two tier" system based on how much you can pay. As I predicted, temperatures in the olympic village are regularly hitting the eighties indoors, and those who couldn't afford air conditioning struggle to compete at the level of their wealthier peer countries. An Italian gold-medalist swimmer has taken to sleeping in parks because he can't sleep in his room. Monday can bring her own personal chef to Tahiti with her, but that's because he's her brother. Not to mention the issues surrounding the way wealth improves training and skill, the way genetics play a part, and the appalling record of the IOC on gender and race.

As may be evident, I'm not a fan of the olympics. I don't watch them and haven't for 25 years now. I'm not going to claim the reason is ethical concerns, because I just plain don't give much of a damn about olympic competition and I follow soccer which is as abusive and toxic just in different ways. But it doesn't help that there are so many issues. And yeah, it absolutely is also thrilling and fun, which is why I feel bad talking about this! And for some sports truly it is the only place they get to show or compete (don't get me started on television networks who get to call what is and isn't broadcast, let alone archived) but this is a moral question athletes are going to have to start to grapple with.

And ALL THAT SAID....

Monday knows this will realistically be her last olympics. She will still be competing at the elite level for a few years and will have a long career as a coach if she does well; she might even qualify in 2028, but at that point she'll be in her mid thirties and likely not still in championship form, and will have had time to train Shivadh surfers so they can compete. And Gregory is not only fond of Monday and kind of in agreement about the olympics, but he is very, very loyal to the woman who carried his children.

So she has nothing to lose, really, and competing in the Olympics, especially if she does well, is a fantastic way to bring attention to how fucked up they are.

I doubt I'd ever write it, except maybe as a short story, but if I did it would be about Monday declaring herself an Activist Competitor, putting the olympics on blast every time she's got a mic in her face, and plotting it with the boys ahead of time so that when the press or even the IOC runs to them, they shrug and say, "What do you want us to do about it? We agree with her. If the IOC doesn't like it they know what to do," basically daring them to fix their shit or ban her.

And there is some fun to be had with it too! You've got Georgie becoming an inadvertent icon as Monday's girlfriend, Gregory and Eddie cheering her on while holding the twins, Joan (and possibly Noah, given he'll be on summer break from college) romping around the place with recording equipment. And also fun, Michaelis and Jes agreeing to go to Paris instead because there are other Shivadh competing and they have to represent the side.

Monday didn't even ask the others to join her in activism because she didn't want them to risk their careers at her say-so, but they are Shivadh, after all, and one of their favorite things to do is fuck shit up, so they absolutely would lead an insurrection in Paris, probably wearing shirts that read WE'RE TOO HOT TO SLEEP. Jes absolutely has a shirt reading NB FOR AC.

I think you have to actually commit war crimes to get a country banned from the olympics (and even then, sometimes you get a pass) but I do think it would be funny if the Paris contingent caused so many issues that I could title the story "We Got Banned From The Olympics And All We Got Were These Dumb Gold Medals". Especially if the gold medals aren't even olympic medals, they're medals Gregory had made to reward the Shivadh athletes for their actions. Gold medal in activism for everyone!

#shivadhverse #olympics

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leveloneandup · 2 months ago

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U.S. Soccer World Champion Tobin Heath on Her Love of Cycling

What happens when a two-time Olympic gold medalist, two-time FIFA World Cup Champion, and U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team member decides to take up cycling? For one thing, the spandex really throw her off at first.

But that didn’t stop Tobin Heath from falling in love with life on two wheels, first at the spin studio rehabbing an injury, then on the roads around Los Angeles, and finally, riding around with the Canyon//SRAM team as they did a reconnaissance ride of stage two of the Tour de France Femmes. She even hosted interviews with pros like Demi Vollering and Kasia Niewiadoma with Strava during the Tour.

We wanted to hear how Heath found herself fully committed to the bike life, what she learned from the pros, and how she believes that the more we watch women's bike racing, the better on the bike we can become. Here are her top tips when it comes to getting started with cycling.

Ride With Others

“Until I did the ride with Canyon//SRAM, I had done most of my riding alone,” Heath says. “I realized on that ride that it’s amazing to just feel like part of a team. I play a team sport, obviously, so I’m used to putting on the uniform and getting into that team setting, so even putting on the team kit felt really natural for me. I do think it helps you become a better rider when you can ride with other people—and they don’t have to be pros.”

Try Before You Buy

Buying your first bike can be incredibly intimidating, especially if you’re not sure what kind of riding you really want to do. Road? Gravel? Mountain bike? Basic commuting around town? It may be helpful to borrow a bike from a similar-sized friend, hit up demo days at local bike shops, or even spend the money to rent a couple of different bikes to test out what type of biking feels fun to you.

That’s what Heath did: When she decided to try riding outside, she asked a friend if she could borrow her gravel bike to test out in the mountains around Santa Monica, California.

A few rides later, and she was hooked—but she was happy she tested the bike before committing. “It’s an expensive sport and the gear is really intense when you first get started!” she says. “I was thankful that I was able to test it out before I fully bought in.”

Find Your Local Community

“That’s one of the most special parts about cycling: the community,” Heath says. “It’s such a community-focused sport. In Los Angeles, there are so many clubs and groups and rides that you can jump into and meet new people if you don’t already know other cyclists, and even if you don’t always want to ride with a group, it’s a great way to get started since you can find out about the best spots to ride and ask tons of questions.”

While she’s not sticking to any specific training plan or considering turning pro on the bike anytime soon, Heath now rides a few times a week, mixing indoor and outdoor rides, as well as solo and group rides depending on her hectic travel schedule.

Ride Outside

While Heath started riding indoors as a way to rehab a soccer injury, she fell in love with cycling when she got outside. “Getting outdoors that just was the game changer,” she says. “I remember the first time I came home from a three-hour ride in the mountains, and my partner was just like, ‘I haven’t seen you look that happy in a long time.’ That feeling of freedom was just something that I couldn’t get from riding inside.”

Buy a Chamois

New cyclists may feel a little sheepish donning a full spandex kit, but Heath is here to tell you that it is a game-changer. “It’s so funny, I remember looking at other people wearing cycling kits and thinking it was really silly to wear that if you’re not a pro. I just assumed it wasn’t necessary. And then I got a cycling kit and I understood,” Heath laughs. “Wearing the kit obviously is super functional when you’re riding, so you can put stuff in your jersey pockets and the saddle is much more comfortable with the padded shorts—you wouldn’t survive a long ride without it—but it also changed the way I saw myself as a cyclist. It makes you feel fast.”

Share Your Progress

Your journey matters more than you think. Heath has become a big fan of Strava in recent months—it serves as an online version of a community, allows you to track your own progress on the bike, and lets you see how people similar to you (or the top pros) are training.

“When I started riding, I was so inspired by seeing what other riders were doing,” she says. “I find that if you see it, you want to do it. And I love seeing all different levels of riders sharing what they’re doing, because I think that helps motivate even more people. A lot of people, especially women, will see what the pros are doing and feel like it’s not achievable, because they can’t visualize themselves training like that. But if they can see someone who looks like them posting rides, they see that it’s possible.”

Watch Women’s Cycling to Get Better

While watching a race like the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift is simply fun and entertaining, you can also watch it for some valuable tips, says Heath. Look closely at how the riders set themselves up to take a corner smoothly, or how close they’re drafting each other. Check out how they’re positioning their bodies to maximize power output on the climbs.

While you may not be as vast as Vollering or Niewiadoma, you can still learn a lot from them. “Not only is it going to inspire you to go out and ride, you’re going to learn a lot about cycling just by being a fan of the sport,” Heath says.

Seriously, Ride With Friends

“When I first started, the women I knew who rode were serious riders,” says Heath. “They kept inviting me out to ride, and I would say, ‘No, I’m not ready yet.’ But I was ready and they absolutely would have made space for me even if I wasn’t as fast. Cycling is super inclusive if you want to be part of a community. And if the worst case is that you’re left behind on a hill, who cares? Even if you start a ride with friends and split up part way through, it’s much more fun and you really do get better when you have those other women around you.”

#tobin heath #tour de france femmes #article #interview

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ambiguouslady42 · 4 months ago

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Court

Nanami x Fem! Reader.

You are at your first-ever tennis match. Nanami Kento is also at this match. A chance encounter becomes one to remember.

Tags: Smut. Some choking.

Word Count: 2.5K

This is my first try at writing smut. It was inspired by attending the National Bank Open.

Minors DNI. I will block you.

You have never been to a tennis match in your life. You are very familiar with tournaments such as Wimbledon or the French Open. You have caught glimpses of the sport through television, but you are not that familiar with the rules. You are familiar with the unofficial dress code. People are dressed in crisp linens, khakis, dresses, skirts, and sweaters. It seems like you’re going to a garden party versus being a spectator. Due to the humid weather, you have opted for a form-fitting dress that accentuates your waist, your hips, and the firm ass of yours. Although, those are not the only assets that you possess. If people are talking to you, you must double-check that they are looking at your face and not below the neck.

You carry an allure to yourself. Your perfume smells of sparkling fruit; it’s not overpowering, but it leaves a trail as you enter the venue. Further away from you is a VIP area. Those with the means to enjoy the comfort of watching the game indoors. Marble tables and chairs with cushions are placed everywhere. Visitors can enjoy the buffet. Kento Nanami doesn’t particularly feel interested in this. He feels a hunger for something else. Dressed in his notable khaki suit, blue shirt, and leopard-printed tie. It was appropriate for today’s activities. He was supposed to be accompanied to this event, but unfortunately, his date did not come. He was by himself enjoying an old-fashioned at the bar.

Fortuitously, you decided to enter the VIP area to explore. You had free tickets to access the VIP area, plus the ability to sit courtside. You approach the bar and notice the gentleman standing next to you. However, you wait before you can start a conversation. You flag the bartender, and order your drink: “whiskey sour, please.”

You notice that Nanami’s scent is that of lemon, rosemary, and bergamot. It was lovely. You feel a sudden attraction to this. However, you do not want to make the first interaction. You slowly sip your drip and look at your phone. He notices your scent. It’s alluring to him and he catches a glimpse of your outfit for today’s occasion. He can notice your assets and wonders if you’re alone. You catch him looking as you use your peripheral vision. At this point, this almost feels like a game of cat and mouse.

“Can I help you?” you ask.

Nanami is surprised that you were quickly able to notice his glance. He maintains his composure. “Not at all, I apologize if I startled you. ”

Noticing that you have embarrassed him slightly you relax and approach him. “I apologize. I’m alone and I wasn’t expecting to be spoken to today”.

“Oh, why is that?”

“Well, I was supposed to be here with a friend, but she wasn’t able to come. I didn’t want to waste these tickets. I suppose I can stay indoors and watch the game from here, but that would be ridiculous.”

“Where are you supposed to be seated?”

“Courtside” you respond.

“That’s a coincidence. I’m also going to be seated courtside. I was supposed to have a companion today, but I was stood up.”

“I find that very hard to believe. Based on your appearance, I find it hard for you to ever be stood up.”

“What about my appearance?”

You begin to blush slightly. “Well, you look rather dashing in your suit. I must say that your scent is also quite alluring, so even if you do not have a date, I doubt that you’ll have a challenging time meeting someone today.”

Nanami is taken aback by how forward you are. He is intrigued, but he doesn’t want to make you uncomfortable. “Are you alone?”

“For today, I am. I wouldn’t mind some company.”

“My name is Y/N L/N. What is yours?”

“Nanami Kento. It’s a pleasure” He grasps your hand for a firm handshake. You like the grip of his hand. However, you are the first to let go.

You both finish your drink in silence. “Would you care for another?” he asks.

You give him a coy smile. “Are you buying?”

“I could if you’d like.”

“No thank you. I think I will suffice with just one. I’d like to walk around the VIP area if that’s alright.”

“That’s perfectly okay.” He offers you his arm. You gladly take it.

As you begin to walk around the venue, he glances at your face. He notices the red lipstick that’s around your plump lips. He wonders what it would be like to kiss lips like yours. You look up to him and just smile at him. You look away immediately. His ears turn slightly pink, but you don’t notice. You do begin to feel a warmth on your face, but you maintain your composure. You notice a booth. It’s to enter the Grand Open in Monte Carlo next year.

“Would you like to sign-up?” Nanami asks.

“Maybe. I’ve dreamt of going to the Italian southside. I’ve always wanted to go on a boat in the Italian waters. Have you ever been?”

“I have not. I’ve been to Malaysia. Beautiful beaches. The water feels amazing too.”

“I’d never been to the beaches. I guess i’ll just have to see someday.”

“Let’s both sign-up. What’s the worst that could happen?”

“Sure why not. And what will you do if you win?”

“There’s a lovely individual that i just met. I would hope that she would be my date. How about you? What will you do if you win?”

“I’ll be going with a dashing individual. He seems like the perfect gentleman.”

Nanami gives you a reassuring wink. You both sign-up for the open.

“If anything happens, you’ll be the first to know.” you reassure him.

“I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

You take his arm back as you now realize it’s time to get to your courtside seats for the match. As you are making your way to the stadium, he allows you to get ahead of him in the narrow staircase up to the stands. As you’re making your way, you begin to feel self-conscious about the choice of outfit. However, he cannot help to take a glance at the view that he’s able to take. He clears his throat as you both approach the level. You pass a nearby elevator and notice that no one is there.

“Is there something the matter?” he asks.

“Oh no. Not at all.” You take his arm and continue to walk towards your seats.

Coincidentally, both of you are seated right next to each other. Your knees are able to touch, but you make sure to remain calm and collected. Nanami proceeds to cross his legs. You place your arms on your lap. The sun is shining and you put on your sunglasses. You are able to catch a glance of at his stoic figure. You imagine what it would be like to run your hands through his carefully combed hair. He turns to look at you and you just proceed to just smile at him. He smiles back. He’s beginning to imagine what it would be like to kiss you. He can smell your perfume now that you’re sitting very closely to each other.

“I’m pretty interested to see today’s match. This is my first time being at a game.”

“Oh I agree. I heard the American player is a force to be reckoned with.”

“I’ve heard she’s won her titles. She’s already made a name for herself. I’m sure her competitor will be fierce competition.”

“Agreed. The match is about to start.” Nanami says as he faces forward.

Without thinking too much about it, Nanami’s hand grazes your knee. He’s about to move it as he notices that you take a deep breath, but you gently place your hand on top of his. You interlace your fingers with his.

You begin to feel excited. You just met this man, but you feel prepared to do just about anything. The match begins. There are three sets of a total of 6 matches that need to be won. The first set began, but the competition got intense midway through. You begin to brush your thumb on his hand. You felt tense as you were rooting for the American to win. She was already world-recongized and you wanted her to win. However, you did not want to get too boastful next to the perfect gentleman.

“Excited much?” he asked. “Don’t worry, it’s actually cute.”

“Just cute?” You ask.

“No. However, i don’t think this is the time or the place to discuss this.” he whispers into your ear. You begin to feel aroused by his voice. You don’t respond. At this point, you began remembering about the elevator that was nearby. You keep your eyes on the match.

Nanami begins to focus on the match as well. He starts to notice the grunting of both players playing. He starts to caress your knee just a little more, and slowly lifts the dress slightly above your knee. You slow him down and whisper to him “I don’t think this is the place to be sneaking around. Although, I know of a place where we can.”

He leans closer to you. You can feel his breath on your neck. “And where might that be?”

“Meet me by the elevator in the next 5 minutes.” you whisper back. You slowly make your way up and straighten your dress. Nanami takes one final look as you walk away. He glances at his watch. He begins to time himself. He straightens up his tie and combs back his hair with his hands. He takes a mint before he makes his way to the elevator.

You are glancing at your watch. You notice how particularly quiet this area is. However, you do notice that there are people just walking by. You see Nanami approaching. You heart begins to race. Once he approaches you, you feel like your heart is going to burst. Without speaking a word.Nanami takes your hand and you push the button to the elevator. It opens. You turn around to make sure nobody is nearby. The elevator closes. You press it to level 3. Nanami is quick to press the emergency stop button.

He suddenly wraps his arm around your waist and you wrap your arms around his neck. He places a soft kiss upon your lips. You immediately laugh. “You just got lipstick on yourself.”

“Who cares”.

He notices that you took your glasses off. He loves the colour of your eyes. You also notice that he took off his glasses. You love his brown, hazel eyes. They were beautiful to look at.

He proceeds to deepen his kiss. You moan as you feel him. You proceed to run your fingers through his hair. You begin to feel his tongue. You begin to gently bite his lower lip. He begins to moan. His hands are no longer on your waist. He begins to travel them towards your ass. He squeezes it as you begin to fall into the trance of his kiss. You begin to pull his tie towards you and he proceeds to kiss your neck. It starts with small, tender kisses, but moves to gentle love bites. He takes off his jacket and you begin to feel his biceps. You feel further aroused as you feel his muscles.

Wasting no time, he begins to lift up your dress. He continues to move his hands towards your ass. He starts to caress his fingers to feel your skin. He slowly begins to slide your panties off. You begin to losen his tie and unbutton a few of his buttons. You press small gentle kisses on his chest.

With gasps in between “I’ve wanted you all afternoon…” you whisper in his ear.

“I knew i wanted you the moment we were at the bar.” He begins to slide his fingers into your sex. You begin to moan, but he proceeds to kiss you. “Shhhh, you don’t want anyone to hear us…”

“I guess i’ll need a way to make me shut up.”

Nanami proceeds to kiss you. You moan as he deepens his kiss. His fingers are beginning to slide between your pussy and your clit. You can’t tell which part feels amazing, but as you’re moaning, he keeps silencing it with a stolen kiss.

“I…need you now…” you whisper to him.

“I know sweetheart. I can tell that you’re ready for me. Your pussy is so wet for me.”

“Yes…Nanami”.

“It’s Kento” as he whispers and proceeds to bite your ear.

You unbuckle his belt and his pants. He quickly slides his pants and underwear. You see his cock exposed. You proceed to grab his cock and slowly massage it.

“Do…you…want me?” you whisper into his ear.

“Yes, sweetheart. I’m ready to make you mine”

He lifts you up and he slides his cock inside of you. As he notices that you grab on to his arms, he begins to give you another kiss as you moan. Each thrust, he can feel your moans getting harder to suppress with every kiss that he shares with you.

“Ken…fuck me…harder” you whisper.

He slams you harder against the elevator wall. As you wrap your arms around him and kiss his cheek and his neck, you further lock your legs around him. He begins to thrust harder and faster.

“Will you fuck me like this…in Monte Carlo?” you ask him

“Sweetheart, I’ll fuck you when I take you out to dinner.”

“When?”

“Tomorrow night. I know a place.”

As your next moan is approaching, he steals another kiss. “Mmm, it’s a date…Ken”.

Nanami begins to softly choke you as he is thrusting. You suddenly begin to hear someone outside of the elevator “i think it’s broken…hmm?”

“Oh…fuck…Ken…people are outside.”

“Shh…sweetie.” He begins to choke you just a little harder; you release one final moan and Nanami begins to cum. He takes one final kiss as your releasing your final orgasm. You can an feel him cumming inside of you. In this moment, you are his, and he is yours.

With one final kiss, he slowly sets you down. You straighten your dress and he begins to buckle his pants.

“You have lipstick all over you.” as you approach to turn off the emergency stop.

Nanami grabs his handkerchief to remove the lipstick smeared all over him. “At least i’ll have the memory of this.”

As the elevator approaches the third floor. “I’ll meet you downstairs. This elevator seems to be broken, eh?”

“Yes, i’m sure your companion must be wondering where his lovely date went.”

“He won’t mind. He promised me to take me on another date tomorrow.”

Nanami feels enthralled by you. He knows that he will wine and dine you tomorrow. Later, he will make love to you before he fucks you. He hopes that he can do the same in Monte Carlo the following year.

#jjk x reader #jjk smut #jjk fanfic #nanami kento #nanami kento x fem!reader #jjk x you #nanami kento x you #nanami kento x y/n #jjk x y/n

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sgiandubh · 1 year ago

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Y seguimos para bingo...

S the Actor. S the Entrepreneur. S the Lover. S the Father. S the Manwhore. And now, S the Influencer. Yup.

Judging by the seriously beautiful pictures of the Insta story and the short reel he deliberately posted on his wall for maximum traction, it was a rather grand week-end in Nevis. My bet is on a latergram, somewhere between October 10 and October 19 (when we know he was in NYC): but hey, I was never good with timelines, unlike Marple.

What I can safely say, though is this: C was spotted in LHR on October 10 (Loewe Foundation event) and October 17 (Almeida Theatre depressing play premiere). Both falling, obviously, on a Tuesday.

I am just going to leave this here for your consideration:

...knowing that as per the IATA's schedule regulations, we are still working with summer timetables (I have just double-checked with my mother, before the screeching starts).

Other quick observations: he apparently stayed in the Alexander Suite of the Four Seasons (https://www.fourseasons.com/nevis/accommodations/suites/alexander-suite/), judging by the bed headboard - perfect match:

All the other suites have different headboards, you can check by yourselves - quick example with the Chelanii Suite:

So, let's see what's on offer:

Also, smart move: sporting a cap indoors and ta-daa - impossible to look for haircut, in order to try and pinpoint a... ahem... timeline.

No rings on the beach...

... and no rings inside, either:

So, these are props he is playing (us) with, just like the Sybil of Tydavnet.

I left the best for the last, pour la bonne bouche, because I bet the farm y'all were busy checking hammocks and deckchairs and poke bowls (yum yum, heh) and didn't notice this tiny hashtag:

I am off to get prepared for our Defense Attaché cocktail, on our National Army Day. A way more boring affair than the drama-drama I will step into when I'm back home, round 10 local time.

Toodles! :) Y chicas - os quiero mucho. You know who you are.

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lilislegacy · 9 months ago

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re: percy’s favourite sports

probably nobody knows this but there is a professional-national-north-american-major-league-type-thing for box (indoor) lacrosse (the NLL), and one of the teams is literally called the new york riptide. their logo is orange and dark blue and light greenish blue. they’ll only exist for 5 years (their first season was 2019, their last will be 2024, after that they’re being moved and getting a rebrand, and i will either love or hate the new team for this but i don’t know which yet) but percy randomly caring about lacrosse is so funny. also their first 2 draft selections were both named tyson, so, i feel like that somehow adds to my point. a cyclops playing lacrosse is a permanent fixture in my brain now

thanks for the ask!

ha! thats hilarious! i didn’t even know this was a thing. there are definitely a lot of percy-related aspects there. i could see him being interested! i can just hear it

percy: hey wise girl. you. me. tonight. we’re going to this game

annabeth: since when do you care about lacrosse?

percy: i always have

annabeth: name one position

percy:

percy: player

annabeth:

percy: come on! they’re called riptide! their colors are orange, blue, and sea-green! it’s literally meant for me.

#you’re right #the idea of percy caring about indoor lacrosse is hilarious #percy jackson #heroes of olympus #percy jackson and the olympians #pjo #percabeth #annabeth chase #lol

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rolandkaros · 2 months ago

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i remember that mana shim said that part of the reason why she didnt want to speak out originally about her abuse was because there was so much concern about the nwsl folding like how the wusa and wps did. that there was this feeling like 'i dont want to be the one to ruin it' because so many of these women had fought so hard to get a professional women's league started in america. these players had a minimum salary of <$7,000 and were expected to try and play full time professional football on that salary. non-national team players had a salary maximum of $31,500. many of them worked multiple jobs to fund their careers.

i can never really take arguments about the quality of women's sports seriously.

women's football was banned completely for 50 years in england. 50 years, the men got to play and learn and improve and adapt. 50 years, the men's game evolved. and 50 years, the women were banned. are you don't think that might have an effect on the sport as a whole? many other women's sports had similar bans at one point or another.

the men can do virtually whatever they like and get paid hundreds of thousands – millions, even.

did you know the manchester united women's team got a brand new, team specific building last season? and in june it was announced that the men's indoor facility would be needing to go under construction so it could be "revamped"? and that the women's facility was handed over to the men for training? and that the women will now train in portable buildings?

but yes, of course. talk to me about the product. talk to me about quality. because we must be objective, we must look at the numbers. its so obvious, of course, the men are simply outperforming the women! the men must be better. there is no other explanation.

#sorry.#tumblr was going to cut off my tag rant but then i was upset and annoyed and wanted to talk about it more.#may delete once i calm down but for now: word vomit!#youre welcome. sorry.#abuse mention #this is mostly about football because i am way more familiar with it but the sentiment extends far beyond #edited to reformat bc the block of text was hurting my eyes #this is an extension of the previous post for the record not an opposition #i feel like i always sound so mad in these (which i am lol) but i always get worried that ppl think its directed at tennisblr #which is basically never is 😭

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uswnt5 · 2 months ago

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https://www.bicycling.com/culture/a62265997/tobin-heath-soccer-to-cycling/?taid=66fc394ac67ef00001b3ed67&utm_campaign=trueanthem&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter

U.S. Soccer World Champion Tobin Heath on Her Love of Cycling

Molly Hurford

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jymwahuwu · 3 months ago

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Sometimes I wonder how comfortable it is to live in Mondstadt haha…a city that advocates freedom and wind, the economy…huh? Diluc is a billionaire😹😹😹Most of it is supported and developed by Diluc’s wine industry. Defense by force? Knights of Mondstadt.

Venti strums the strings and sings about wind and freedom, and has always been admired and praised by people. Venti often pretends to be weak, but he is actually the god who keeps the warm and moist winds blowing into Mondstadt. He brought a climate that is like spring all year round and is suitable for wine making. (If you explore the map there, it actually rains and thunders a lot outside the city of Mondstadt. Dragonspine is extremely cold.)

Mondstadt people don't seem to need to be stuck at work all day either 😭 Adventurers can complete quests, browse scenery and fight. I could also apply for a job as a waiter, hmm, doing paperwork for the knights? Help organize books in the library. Their prices are not that high either. And I can also take Klee to play every summer. In my free time, I take a walk in the city and watch the sunset and the flying dandelions. People sang psalms in praise of the God of Wind.

Liyue, the country of commerce and contracts. It seems easy to get a job there because they focus on growing the economy. And it’s also possible to take an adventurous path. Entertainment is drama and fiction. You can write novels and contribute to make some money 🥺If you are in the wild, Xiao can listen to all the cries for help…so there is not too much danger…? Not to mention there are festivals to play every year…

Inazuma, eh… going to have a hard life. Regardless of Ei's wishes or not, the people generally lived under the pressure of the Raiden Shogun. Every time I explore the map there I get struck by lightning.

Sumeru, a real academic simulator, relive the wonderful days of primary, secondary and tertiary education(?) If you are studying there, you need to use pen and ink to write papers. And without internet, you need to spend the whole day researching in the library…painful. But the city is lively, and the architecture and lighting of the cafe are beautiful. Families are connected by knowledge. So the spouse you are looking for is probably a classmate 🙈 Desert… I don’t want to go to the desert, I’m afraid of the heat.

Fontaine, a country that treats trials as entertainment. The water element buildings throughout the country are beautiful. There is also a water train. I will definitely take pictures. Maybe I could apply for a job at a newspaper? Hmm, or a coffee shop or a restaurant. I will put away the newspaper with Neuvillette’s photo as a collection 😹

Natlan, the cute chubby dragons and rich culture. I love the locals dancing and singing. Are there jobs for outsiders? 😹I think there are very few because their nationals will not leave... and it feels so hot... I can't accept the hot climate. I'll probably stay indoors drinking and watching sports.

Snezhnaya, still doesn’t know what’s there. But life will probably be very hard just like in Inazuma. Northland Bank…capitalism there is very evil according to Pantalone’s words 👿 but I will endure it for Capitano 🥺

In summary, I give Mondstadt 5 stars. The most comfortable country in Teyvat.

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luneengene2 · 10 months ago

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Andteam and what would their major be please??

&Team Members and Their College Majors (+Their 'behavior' at college)

I already made the Enhypen version, and now I'm going to make the &Team version (+fulfilling requests)

• A/N : I made this based on my opinion (+their MBTI if I wasn't sure about my opinion).

• Warnings : Contains grammatical errors

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

• KOGA YUDAI

|| Faculty of Arts, Design and Music ||

|| Modern Dance Department ||

- Will become a teaching assistant because his dancing skills are the best.

- Often sought after by juniors when there is a dance event on campus.

- Most likely apart from studying, he will join a J-Pop or K-pop agency to become an idol.

- The student group is well-known and has many followers on social media.

- The most skilled at creating choreography and becoming a trend on campus.

- One of the outstanding students on campus and is often sent to national and international dance competitions.

- Most likely he would have become an idol while he was still a student on campus if he was debuted by his agency.

- (This is random), but his girlfriend could be a beautiful ballerina who is also in the same faculty as him.

• MURATA FUMA

|| Faculty of Health and Sports Sciences ||

|| Department of Sports Education ||

- He became a student that girls wanted because apart from being tall and muscular, he was also very handsome.

- Often seen on sports fields, both outdoor and indoor.

- He is also known to be quite rich because his father is a gym owner.

- His clothes are identical with t-shirts, jogger pants, varsity/baseball jackets and Nike shoes.

- Member of the American football club on campus who has the position of captain.

- Apart from being a member of the American football club, he is also often sent by his campus to several sports competitions. His quick mastery means he always brings winning trophies to his campus.

- Became a teaching assistant because he was superior compared to his friends, both in practice and theory.

- He is also often seen at the campus gym and is often teased by girls who have a crush on him.

- (Random again), His girlfriend could be a beautiful cheerleader.

• Wang Yixiang / Nicholas Wang

|| Faculty of Art, Design and Music ||

|| Photography Department ||

(Addition: My imagination is more vivid about Nicholas who is very suitable to major in Photography compared to Fashion Design / Stylist)

- Has a very high fashion sense and often wears luxury items.

- Before entering university and starting the world of study, he already had his own photo studio which of course led to business.

- Often go around the university to photograph several objects.

- Opening up internship opportunities for friends who are in the same major as him.

- If there is an event on campus, he will often be called for documentation.

- Apart from being the best photography and student in his department, he also often helps his models to choose clothing styles that suit them.

- Has a target to enter the modeling industry by becoming a photographer.

- Often rumored to be dating girls who have the title 'Face of Campus' / 'Beautiful College Girls'.

- Has a part-time job as a model.

• Byun Euijoo

|| Faculty of Mathematics and Science ||

|| Mathematics Department ||

- The student is handsome but tends to be nerd and bookish (not an insult), because he often spends his time in the library and even takes extra classes.

- There are quite a lot of girls who have a crush on him, but most of them are reluctant to approach him.

- Often wears a shirt, carries a medium-sized backpack, carries a thick book, and wears glasses.

- Classified as an outstanding student who was able to enter the university because of his mathematics and science awards.

- Participating in an academy acceleration program so that he can more quickly proceed to master's level.

- He rarely gets together with his friends because he is more active in studying (Introvert).

- Despite being an introvert, he is also good friends with several medical students.

• Nakakita Yuma

|| Faculty of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries ||

|| Marine Engineering ||

(Addition: Do you know why I think Yuma would be a good fit for the Marine Engineering Department? Because one of the emojis represents him😭)

- Rarely seen on campus because he often practices directly, whether at the port, dock, or even directly at sea.

- Always the most updated with news about the sea in his country.

- He is very concerned about marine technology. And will also focus on creating solutions and developing marine technology.

- Will choose an internship in an offshore oil mine.

- Always communicate well with his lecturers regarding maritime issues in his country.

- Even though his major does not study marine biota, he also masters marine biota science.

- Often argue with students in the architectural department if the marine building designs they make do not suit his abilities (difficult).

- Make friends with civil engineering students and sometimes discuss development conditions on land and at sea.

• Asakura Jo

|| Faculty of Art, Design and Music ||

|| Fine Arts Department ||

- If there is an arts event on campus, he always takes the initiative first to participate and always wins.

- More talented in painting, but that doesn't mean he's not good at other subjects.

- His work will often be bought by lecturers on campus who like paintings, and the price is definitely expensive.

- Always gets the best rating in its class if there is a project about design or making complex sketches.

- Always wanted to do an internship at a museum or painting exhibition center and had a target of having his work displayed at the museum or painting exhibition center.

- One of the students who had a business before graduating from college opened a painting service.

- He often hangs out with students in the architectural department because he is interested in the building designs of architectural students.

- He always carries a sketchbook wherever he goes, and even while having lunch he always gets inspired to paint.

- (Random again), his girlfriend could be a student majoring in literature.

• Shigeta Harua

|| Faculty of Health and Sports Sciences ||

|| Department of Pediatrics (Master's degree or equivalent) ||

(Addition: After graduating with a medical degree, he will specialize in pediatrics, aka continuing his Masters studies)

- A student who is soft-hearted because he likes children.

- He has a friendly nature which makes him a lecturer's favorite.

- During his internship, he will choose to do an internship at a children's hospital.

- If there is a vaccine event on campus for children, he will be very enthusiastic, even buying gifts with his own money to distribute to the children to make them happy.

- Children will always be happy to meet him because Harua is always friendly and always has kind words.

- He is good friends with psychology students.

- (This is random) in his practice uniform pocket, he often carries a stuffed bunny.

- Dating a female dental student.

• Takayma Riki

|| Faculty of Social, Law and Political Sciences ||

|| Journalism Department ||

(Addition : Taki is an ENFP, so I think this major suits him)

- The most updated about the latest news because the department is also assigned to search for and discuss the latest news.

- Have good public speaking skills (ofc).

- Has his own blog and is often assigned by his university to create the latest news about his campus.

- Relatively rarely seen on campus because he often interviews various sources.

- Have high analytical skills.

- Often wears glasses, a plaid shirt, often carries notes and carries a camera and small microphone.

- Prefer to do an internship at a television station and become a reporter there rather than become a news writer.

- Always a 'group' together with students in the photography department because every time there is a campus event, several photography and journalism students are always part of the documentation makers.

• Maus Riki / Hirota Riki

|| Faculty of Social, Law and Political Sciences ||

|| Department of International Relations ||

- His excellent ability in several languages made him choose this major.

- He often experiences UN meetings because his campus often chooses him to go directly to UN meetings.

- Classified as a very rich student (+his parents are one of the biggest campus donors to his campus).

- The target of girls at his university because he is rich, handsome and authoritative.

- Often the focus is also on voicing women's rights, whether at UN meetings or other international meetings.

- It is relatively rare to see at universities because they are often sent abroad for direct practice.

- Most likely to get a scholarship to study abroad.

- Dating a female student in the law department.

#&team imagines #&team x reader #&team k #&team fuma #&team nicholas #&team euijoo #&team yuma #&team jo #&team harua #&team taki #&team maki #&team fluff #&team fanfic

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upontherisers · 4 months ago

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my mota OCs as olympians because i have to

mahalia - reigning gold medalist in women’s tennis but not the favorite because of the injury struggles. she has a fiery relationship with her doubles partner, fellow princeton alumni john egan. know for a mouth and a temper, plays with tactical precision and crazy speed, and is not someone you want to get in a fight with on twitter. she has a nike campaign and a racquet you can buy at dick’s sporting goods and outfits that have her fans making edits of her to meg songs on tiktok. doesn’t play about her parents. is coming into this olympics with less fire than usual, but her best playing in two years. some think she learned from the injury, some think it’s getting a new coach, but everyone can agree that it’s definitely not getting a new training partner in john egan, who seems to be the only person seeing the old mahalia on the court.

bucky - back to back tour champion. hasn’t medaled at the olympics yet, but after a roller coaster first five professional seasons, he’s held it together these past two seasons mostly due to a coaching switch. bowman seems to pick the problem kids. charming, strong, looks good in wristbands, has an undefinable relationship with a woman who could knock him unconscious with a tennis ball. he seems to linger around mahalia more and more as they fight less and less. they even stood with each other for the parade of nations. has a real shot this year.

hazel - beach volleyball, plays with sheila hartman. third olympics. got silver in her first, bronze in her second, and is chasing that elusive gold using momentum from the best professional season of her career. played on a national championship indoor team at stanford and everyone assumed she’d go pro in europe like her older brother did, but she joined the beach circuit instead. she’s found lots of success there, but there’s always been a “what if” hanging over her head. maybe this year she can prove that she’s right where she needs to be. is very friendly and welcoming to new players, but it’s no more mr. nice guy come game time

jack - two-time indoor volleyball olympian, first time beach volleyball olympian. it’s worse on his knees but easier on his shoulders. (there’s definitely something going on between him and hazel keene, right? or is it just me?)

dora - 100m and 400m hurdles. two timer. she’s fucking fast. always has her nails did, hair did, and face beat on track. always smiling. dating fellow columbia law student and olympian rosie rosenthal, a triathlete. hops the into the stands to hug him when she wins. has darren, delilah, and her grandparents’ names drawn on her shoes. wants to be a sports agent for black athletes when she retires.

rosie - proud boyfriend first, law student second, olympian third. not here to win, but brings home an honorable bronze nonetheless. dora definitely makes tiktoks about being a world-class athlete and student at the same time and rosie is in a lot of them and the world is in love with him but he’s the most married man of all time without being married.

vera - women’s eight rower, bow. top of the field in her sport, less than 5k followers on the instagram, incredible husband and beautiful, loud husky at home. she’s living the life. advocates for mental health in sports and coaches rowing when she’s not competing. rowed with ginny in college and hopes to defend her title from last olympics. has a smattering of tattoos and approx 12 piercings in each ear. married to u.s. men’s soccer player ben demarco (not playing this season due to injury but followed his wife to paris. making hab content on ig and tt)

ginny - women’s eight rower, seat 6. daughter of two olympic rowers. her two oldest brother, danny, and second youngest brother, peter (at the olympics) row quadruple sculls and quadruple sweep respectively. her youngest brother nathan is a ncaa champion eight, just like her. she and vera match their outfits each race, including hair and jewelry (up to 2 piercings, ginny ain’t doing all that).

lola - 50-200m freestyle. swims a crazy anchor leg for the women’s and mixed relays. the only person happier than her when she wins is fellow swimmer john brady.

bobbie - indoor volleyball, middle blocker. 2x ncaa player of the year and 4x first team all-american lighting europe tf up in her first professional season. but is it enough? her father, robert chambers, was on the last u.s. men’s team to win gold and she’s expected to outmatch his legacy by defending the u.s.’s title.

dolores - park skateboarder who takes on the course in wired headphones and not only does she not get tangled, she normally wins. soooooooooooooo bisexual.

#straighten up and fly right #my writing #olympics au

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coochiequeens · 2 years ago

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Oh Canada! Oh no!

A trans-identified male athlete has taken the top spot in yet another Canadian women’s running competition, adding to the growing list of victories against female athletes he has claimed since transitioning.

Tiffany Newell, 50, has now placed first in the women’s indoor 1500 meter running competition for women aged 50-54, which was held in Toronto, Ontario this past week. This is Newell’s latest victory and has added to his long list of first-place rankings and records in women’s running competitions.

On January 8, Newell took the top spot in the women’s 3000 meter for women aged 45-49 at the Winter Mini Meet, and would rank first in the women’s 5000 meter for women aged 45-49 just days later.

He then went on to rank first in the 1500 meter for women aged 45-49 on February 5, and, following a birthday which placed him in a new age category, ranked first in the 1500 meter in the category for women aged 50-54 in a competition held from February 23 to February 26 in Toronto.

The news of Newell’s latest victory was announced by the International Consortium on Women’s Sport, a campaign group advocating for sexed categories, prompting anger and disbelief from those concerned with the preservation of women’s sport.

“That is ridiculous and no fan of athletics will view it as any sort of achievement,” wrote Colin Winter in response to the announcement. “It is a farce & everyone knows it but too many are too frit to say so. Frit is no excuse. If one’s job is to protect the integrity of a sport, that is what one has to do. If unable to do so, resign.”

Some have also expressed concern that Newell’s new age classification will result in him now seizing the 5000 meter title from Maria Zambrano, a female athlete with multiple records across the age groups she has competed in.

Last year, Newell set a Canadian record in the 5000 meter indoor running competition for women aged 45-49 held at Toronto’s York University. Newell ran 18:02.30over the distance, besting the previous record by six seconds. His record was ratified by the Canadian Masters Athletics in December, and it became the first time a trans-identified male athlete in Canada broke a national record in track.

At that same competition, Newell also placed first in the women’s 800 meter race for women aged 45-49.

His victories earned him an “honorable mention” as the Ontario Master’s Athlete of the Month in March of 2022, just one month after snatching the top spots.

In January of 2023, Newell placed first in the women’s 5000 meter for women aged 45-49 once again during the Ontario Master’s Mini Meet held in Toronto.

Previously, Newell won a silver medal at the 2021 Canadian XC Championships in the masters 8K, and also finished second at the 2022 Hamilton Marathon.

Newell began transitioning in 2017, but began competing in women’s sport in 2020 after claiming to have met the recommended testosterone levels as set by the World Athletics guidelines on transgender athletes.

Last June, the global regulator for swimming, diving and water polo issued a ruling barring transgender athleteswho experienced male puberty from swimming and other aquatic sports. FINA opted to create an “open category” instead in order to preserve the fairness of sexed categories. The decision came after international backlash surrounding the success of Lia Thomas, a trans-identified male, in women’s swimming.

In an interview with Running Magazine earlier this year, Newell rejected the concept of an “open category” for transgender athletes in running, and claimed he should be allowed to compete against females as he identified as such.

“The policy makes sense for non-binary athletes, but I don’t feel comfortable racing against men. It categorizes me in the sex I am not identified as,” Newell said. “I am a woman, and I feel most comfortable racing against women or other transgender women. I believe an open category can work if athletes can continue to race against athletes of the same gender.”

Despite protests from trans activists, studies have consistently affirmed that trans-identified male athletes retain a significant edge over their female counterparts, even after starting hormone therapy.

In 2020, a study released in the British Journal of Sport Medicine noted that trans-identified males were able to complete 31% more push-ups and 15% more sit-ups in one minute on average than a female Air Force service member. They also ran 1.5 miles 21% faster.

But even after two years on testosterone suppression treatment, the males were still 12% faster on average than biological females.

#Canada #ontario #Toronto #Tiffany Newell is a man #Women’s sports are for women #Winter Mini Meet #International Consortium on Women’s Sport

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ak11-content · 10 months ago

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Our first guest is SELF's January cover star Ali Krieger. You may know Ali is a decorated soccer player who is coming off a national Women's Soccer league championship win with New York, New Jersey, Gotham last season, which also happened to be her retirement season. But Ali is quick to remind people that soccer is just something she does, it's not who she is. So I'll also add that she's a vocal advocate for important social justice issues, a mom of two and a great friend to her nearest and dearest. I had the pleasure of interviewing her for SELF's January cover story, which is out now, and I'm so excited to be talking to her again today. Ali, welcome to the show.

Ali: Hi. Thank you so much for having me.

Rachel: Of course. So let's get into it. Um, the first time we're gonna ask you, or the first younger self I'm gonna ask you to give advice to is your childhood self. So before we get into the advice, I'd love to know what were you like as a kid?

Ali: I, um, I was shy. I was reserved, um, somewhat calm. That's definitely not how I am on the, on the soccer field.

Rachel: (laughs).

Ali: But I, I just followed my brother around all the time. He was super active and, um, you know, just always wanting to play and, and hang out. So we had to really, we had a really good childhood. I feel like everything was at our fingertips. We grew up in, you know, uh, Dumfries in Northern Virginia. And, um, yeah, we were just hanging out with friends, playing sports, and just enjoying family time. Ultimately, I always wanted to just be around my brother hanging out, and I learned a lot from him too along the way.

Rachel: That's so cute. And he's 13 months older than you, right?

Ali: Yes, yes. We're 13 months apart. Mm-hmm.

Rachel: That's amazing. When did you start playing soccer?

Ali: I played soccer when I was about five or six. Um, I played with my brother on a team called Cosmos, an indoor team where we were like five and six years old. And, um, I remember our green jerseys and every time you'd score you get like a little, you know, iron on star on the back, and, uh, unfortunately I don't think I still have that jersey, but it was really fun because I just wanted to be as good as he was.

Rachel: That's really cute. Well, I, I guess, I guess you did catch up to him eventually.

Ali: (laughs). Yeah.

Rachel: (laughs). Well, when you think back on a time when you were a kid that you really could have used a little guidance from your current self, what comes to mind?

Ali: I think just only controlling the controllables. I think throughout life, you know, you have to fight through adversity. You endure a lot mentally, physically, emotionally, especially within sport. And it's okay to make mistakes, it's okay to fail because when you do, you learn the most. And so I think, you know, just being comfortable in that chaotic, um, environment because along the way I learned that not every coach is gonna like me. Uh, not every coach is gonna value me and appreciate me, but you, you know, have to continue to, you know, go down this path that you want and in order to, to be as successful as you want and how you dream. I think just having that advice, uh, would, would help a lot of the younger girls like it, or, and boys like it did for me.

Rachel: That's really great. And you mentioned you were shy. Was there anything that helped you kind of come out of your shell a little bit?

Ali: I think I was shy because my brother was just nonstop talking (laughs), so like, and I would just follow him and do whatever he did, so.

Rachel: Mm-hmm.

Ali: Um, and I felt comfortable in that. Uh, he was, you know, more of like, uh, a leader when we were younger and I just, you know, wanted to be like him and always around him. So, um, he would always do the talking for me. So I-

Rachel: (laughs).

Ali: ... think, um, eventually I broke outta my shell, but I think early on I was just, I don't know, just shy and reserved and then maybe soccer brought that other side out in me. And as, as I got older and I got, you know, better at the sport and I could feel that as a player, I, you know, gained more confidence.

Rachel: So the next younger self that I wanted to ask you about is what advice you would give to yourself when you were coming out. And I wanted to kind of preface this with queer people come out over and over again in their lives. So this question can apply to a specific coming out or maybe more when you're coming out to yourself 'cause both are important. Um, so I guess to me this is about a coming out that felt really significant to you and what advice you would give yourself when you were going through that.

Ali: Yeah, for sure. I mean, going way back when my brother came out to me when he was a senior in high school, I think it was towards the end of his high school, um, career. Um, and he was moving on to college and he was about to go to spring break and he sat down and he told me he is, you know, he's gay and he's into, um, men and I, I didn't really know what that meant. I was just happy that he expressed that to me and I said, "You know, I don't care who you love, I support you either way, and I love you so much." And so I think I'm lucky to, you know, I've, I've, you know, thought that at that age-

Rachel: Yeah.

Ali: ... 'cause I just didn't know what it meant, you know, we were-

Rachel: Definitely.

Ali: ... we grew up in such a vanilla town and, um, you know, nothing was really visible when I was young. And so then moving on to college, I had this, you know, experience of seeing more visibility with, um, you know, queer individuals. And there were, you know, a couple pairs of, you know, individuals on my team who you know, came out as lesbian, but also just bi or, you know, just were discovering their sexuality at the time. And I didn't really understand it. I just thought men could be together.

Rachel: Yep. Mm-hmm.

Ali: So I'm grateful that I finally stepped into that space because then-

Rachel: Definitely.

Ali: ... a lot to me made sense, even though I had a boyfriend in college for like three and a half years. I then, you know, felt that there was something about me that might want to discover more. And, um, you know, going through this like self-discovery, um, and moving to Germany and playing there for five and a half years, I really, um, was more exposed to an environment that was, I think more accepting of, you know, um, my sexuality and discovery of myself. And I just kind of went for it. And I, you know, uh, was having really great experiences there and, and really finding myself more. And then coming back in 2012, um, that, that started with the NWSL and we started the league, um, and, and moved forward. And so I felt like coming back to the states with kind of this new perspective of, you know, life, but also, um, this new feeling I had of who I was as a human being and living my life, uh, more authentically and in this truth, I could then apply that to coming back home. And played in the NWSL. And then, uh, met my previous partner, um, and we were on the national team together. And then eventually in 2019, I mean, we were together for, since probably 2012, right around that time officially. And then from then till, you know, 2019, we didn't come out really because we were afraid we were gonna lose our job. But that was my, you know, that was a partnership where I felt super confident, comfortable. Um, but I was, I wasn't, as a public figure, I wasn't wanting to make it, you know, um, as public because that was the only thing at the end of the day where I could have some privacy.

Rachel: Yeah.

Ali: And so that's what I valued and that was more so the reason why I never spoke on it. Um, and also we had the same job, so I was afraid we were gonna lose our job.

Rachel: Yeah.

Ali: Playing at the highest level, you just dunno how people are going to react.

Rachel: Yeah.

Ali: And so I was more aware of that. And then, you know, getting sponsorship deals and things like that, I wasn't sure how you know, people and brands were gonna react to, to me and, and her at the time. Um, but then in 2019, we just felt like, you know what F it. Like we we wanna live our lives true and authentic, and we eventually wanna start a family and like, this is us. Right. If you don't like it, then bye.

Rachel: Yeah.

Ali: Um, you know, you need us more than we need you type of type of mentality. And so I think in 2019 was when we came out, um, as engaged. And then, um, the response was incredible. Which I never would've thought in a million years, um, unfortunately, which is crazy to say out loud.

Rachel: Yeah. Yeah.

Ali: But I, I never thought that it would be as good as it did, all of our brands and sponsorships. We even had more opportunities-

Rachel: That's amazing.

Ali: ... after the, we made this announcement and not everyone goes through that.

Rachel: Yeah. Yeah.

Ali: Right. Not everyone has that experience. And so I, I knew right away that okay, this is a situation where I feel super lucky and super grateful to be able to tell this story, uh, you know, a positive story of, you know, a queer couple or lesbian couple that, you know, had just come out and, and, uh, were engaged and he wants to live this life together. And so it, it, there's no right or wrong way to do it, it's just how you feel. And you have to make sure that it's what you want, not what anybody else wants. And that the right time for you might not be when somebody else, uh, asks you or when someone else, I don't know, puts it out there. It's just, it's, it's about how you feel and how you wanna approach it. And I felt like that time was good for me and I was willing to take that risk because I was afraid that I was gonna lose my job and, and other things in my life. So I just went for it and I just, I just felt it in my gut that it was right.

Rachel: Yeah. That's really nice. It's really scary, es- especially when the stakes are high like that. And it's, it sucks that we're still in a world where you weren't sure if it was gonna cost you endorsements or your role in this thing you worked so hard for. Like, but, you know, that's the reality. I'm glad that it went so well for you, but, you know, it's, it's still really scary. It's risky. I think it's so interesting what you said about that lack of visibility, because I think we're around the same age, and I've heard from so-

Ali: Yeah.

Rachel: ... many women this age when they're, who have had the reaction of like, "I didn't know women could be gay." Which is just, it sounds wild when you say that out loud, but like, I think we forget now because so much has changed. Like, it was like Ellen and that was it maybe, or like, maybe a joke on a sitcom, you know, like, it just, it was so different. And I think if you didn't see yourself, you're just like,"Okay, well I guess that's not me." And just like kept, you know, didn't think about-

Ali: Yeah.

Rachel: ... it again. And, and now so much has changed that a lot of women in their thirties and forties and older are realizing like, "Oh, this is something I was missing." And I think that's, that's so exciting because like you said, it is this expansive process where you realize there can be more for you. It's not, you're not losing anything. You have, you get to open yourself up to something new and that's so special.

Ali: Right. And I, you know, I, I was so happy that I was like, "Okay, this is what I've been feeling and missing. Like this is, these are a few answers now that I can take with me. That now I can kind of, you know, work on that and, and understand myself more on a deeper level," where before in college, I was like, "Who am I? What am I doing?" Why am I feeling this way? This is weird." Like, and, and so I feel now that I, from college stepping into, you know, my, um, my experience overseas, I was able to do a bit of self-discovery, which then gave me a whole new perspective on my life. And whether I wanted to be in a lesbian relationship or if I was, you know, experiencing, you know, more of bisexuality experiences. I, I was open to anything at the time because I was just like, "You know what? I could be free and this is me."

Rachel: Yeah.

Ali: "And let's just see where this goes." And, um-

Rachel: That's amazing.

Ali: Yeah. And you kind of just fill your cup slowly and you start, you know, really discovering yourself more. And I, I really am so grateful for that experience. Um, and, and finally being in a, in an environment where it was okay, uh, to, to be me.

Rachel: Well, I wanna pivot a little bit to talking about career stuff, because you've obviously had this really long career really, like filled with a lot of highs, but also there were some lows. Um, so I wanted to talk about the advice that you would give yourself when you didn't make the National Women's Soccer team-

Ali: Mm-hmm.

Rachel: ... 'cause I think we all go through career setbacks, obviously, but with sports, I think it can probably feel incredibly personal and the stakes are very high. Uh, so maybe if you could start by kind of telling people what happened if they're not familiar with the situation, and then the advice you would give yourself if you had to do it all over again.

Ali: Yeah. So I, um, was basically in 2017, I think was trying to continue to make the team, every year you'd have to fight for contracts every January at the time where it was you know, you would get a contract with a national team, and it wasn't like a pay-to-play model where you get invited in now, um, at any moment. And so it's always a bloodbath at a January camp where we're all fighting to make the team. And at the beginning I did, but then slowly I had, you know, just, it was probably after World Cup in 2015 where things started to get a little rocky. And I started to recognize, "Okay, like there's other players coming in and the coach doesn't necessarily value me as much as before, even though I just played 2015 every game in the World Cup." And it just, you know, it was a really difficult year for me. Um, slowly but surely, I, you know, stopped getting called in. Um, and I didn't really get a reason for that. There was never really a, you know, kind of like a closure. That was why it was so difficult for me to move forward um, in my career at the time. And I was devastated. I didn't get called back for a whole year and a half, almost two years. And right before the next World Cup, I get a call because, um, you know, they were in need of, of a defender. And I think I had proved myself, uh, through that time period, and I made it really difficult for them to ignore me. You know, just had the super laser focus of, "I wanna achieve this, and I know I can do it and I'm gonna do it." And I'm, like I said before, I just made it difficult for them to ignore me. And so ultimately my coach at the time gave me a call. We didn't really discuss the, the last-

Rachel: (laughs).

Ali: ... you know, two years because I said, "I'm in a different space now. I'm in a different you know, um, you know, mentality. I am super focused on where I'm at. I don't wanna bring up the past. Let's just like move forward. What do you need me to do? I'm here for the team, I'm here for you, and let's make it happen. Right? Like, I, I'm, I'm open to whatever you need from me, uh, in order to help this team be successful." And so I ended up getting called back into the last camp before the team was chosen for 2019.

Rachel: Wow.

Ali: And somehow, some way I got back into the team right before it mattered most, and we ended up going to World Cup and we ended up winning. And I actually, um, I didn't play as often as they did in 2015 and 2011. But I did get a chance to go into, um, two games. And then the final, I had to, she called on me, uh, when one of our right back, um, Kelly O'Hare, who's my teammate now, she unfortunately had a bad head injury. It was like a concussion so, right before halftime. So then I get the call to, to go in and fill her spot-

Rachel: Wow.

Ali: ... in the second half of the final. And I couldn't believed that. I was just like, "Alright, this is why I'm here. This is exactly why."

Rachel: Yeah. [inaudible 00:15:41] you spent years preparing for this.

Ali: Yeah. Like, just these, these 45 minutes. "This is why I'm on this team right now." And we were 0-0 at the time. So I was so grateful that I could help the team win.

Rachel: Yeah.

Ali: And we won two, nothing. And so that, that's kind of that experience. But I always tried to stay positive. It's easy to to get, you know, into your, into your head and, you know say all the things and reasons why, you know you're not there. But I immediately changed that perspective. I, trust me, it was a really dark time.

Rachel: Yeah.

Ali: And I remember, you know, uh, uh, just like wanting to just quit. And I was so frustrated, I was so angry for the longest time. But then I said, "You know what? Like, that's not me. I, I know how good I can be and I know how I can help this team. So let me turn that on, turn that around into a positive and, and get to work."

Rachel: Yeah. That makes sense. And sometimes it helps to let yourself have that period first-

Ali: Mm-hmm.

Rachel: ... just to be mad and to feel bad, and to not talk yourself out of it, or try to fix it-

Ali: Right.

Rachel: ... or go to the gym right away. Sometimes you just have to be upset-

Ali: Mm-hmm.

Rachel: ... and angry, and then you can get through it. But you're like, "I, I'll, I'll get there eventually. But today there's a little time for wallowing and, and mourning and just, you know, feeling bad," and there's nothing you can do. But it sounds like you really brought a level of focus that I'm just sort of in awe. 'Cause it's hard enough to train, but training when you're kind of down, when you're already, when you're coming from that like vulnerable position, I imagine is so much harder.

Ali: It is. It's really difficult. Yeah. But you just gotta push through. And then, you know, as athletes, you know, everything's at risk, right? But it's worth it in the end if it works out. And so you never know that answer until you try.

Rachel: So the last, um, pass up I wanna ask you about is a little bit more recent. Um, and I wanted to ask you about the advice that you would give yourself as a new mom. So as people listening, probably know you are mom to Sloan and Ocean, who are very young. So you were a new mom not so long ago, which is a famously really difficult period. And I'm curious what you, what advice you would give yourself looking back now?

Ali: Um, I would just say (laughs) buckle in because (laughs), nothing ever goes as planned. You could prep all you want, prepare for, you know, anything and everything. Um, but it really just day-to-day, you have to be willing to, um, kind of just be open to whatever comes. And, um, you always have to think of what if as a mom. So, uh, it's kind of like a spontaneous day-to-day. I, I never know what the day's gonna bring. I'm as prepared as I can be, but, you know, some days the kids can be great, some days they be terribly sick, some days they're gonna have tantrums, some days, you know, everything's gonna flow perfectly. And, you know, all the meals are gonna work out. I mean, I, I literally think that, um, I would tell myself just buckle in because, um, you have to make sure you're, you're open to anything that's, you know, that that could happen. And, and patience is gonna be key.

So no matter how my kids are acting or feeling, or I'm always trying to stay calm in the way that I speak to them too. Um, you know, if they're yelling and screaming and then I'm yelling and screaming and saying, "Stop, or Don't do this or that," you know, that's just not the way that I approach, um, you know, how I am parenting. And so I feel like if I stay consistent, even though sometimes I do wanna yell, and you gotta just like, you know, you get angry and you're frustrated and you just need like, two minute break and you wanna lock yourself into the pantry. But I, I try to stay as calm as I can and just kind of have like, you know a steady, a steady response.

Um, and then I think kids, young kids, ultimately they don't understand why they're feeling certain ways that they're feeling, whether that be really happy, sad, frustrated, all the things, uh, and all the emotions. I would tell myself just allow that to happen. And, um, and just embrace them more instead of tell them what to do about it. Because I would tell Sloan even now, 'cause sometimes she doesn't understand her feelings that you know, I just try to give her a hug and console her and embrace her because I always say, "Listen, it's okay to feel the way that you're feeling." Um, but if she's say throwing things or hitting something, or I'm always like, "It's okay that you're feeling upset or sad or angry or frustrated, but it's not okay to throw your things or your food or…” So I want to allow and give space for all the feelings and emotions because unfortunately as a kid, I don't, um, think that I expressed my feelings and emotions enough. So I think maybe telling my younger self before having kids just allow your kids to feel those emotions and feelings and, and just embrace, uh, the tantrums and-

Rachel: (laughs).

Ali: ... uh, the yelling and the crying and all the things, because those are emotions too. And those are just as important as being happy and excited and joyful.

Rachel: I think that's great advice for new parents. But I also think it's great advice for adults for themselves to just let themselves feel what they're feeling and, and name, what they're feeling and understanding why. I think a lot of people struggle with, you know, they, they know they're feeling something, but it is hard to name it or to understand why they are, you know, maybe acting out or are doing something that they don't, they look back and they regret. So I think just. all of us can probably benefit from pausing and thinking about our emotions, but not trying to stop them. But I imagine as a parent, you probably wanna step in and fix it, and it's really hard to just like step back and, and let them feel what they're feeling without intervening.

Ali: Right. And just giving them time to process.

Rachel: Definitely. All right, Ali, my last question for you, since this is about advice, is what is the best advice you've ever been given?

Ali: Okay. So Sue Bird actually told me this, and I think it was from Will Smith, a quote from him. I, uh, maybe we can fact check this.

Rachel: (laughs).

Ali: But, uh, when I was really going through that hard time, we went on vacation, um, with her and, and Megan and I had asked them both. I said like, "You know, what do you see? Do I hang out my boots? Like, am I that bad? Like, am I not... Like what am I not doing? Like what am I not seeing? This is crazy.” But she had said this to me that I had carried through every, ever since, um, and then she said, "As an athlete, or just even as a human being, um, if you stay ready, you never have to get ready."

Rachel: Rachel here. So we did fact check this, just to be sure. Turns out Will Smith is known for saying, "So if you stay ready, you ain't gotta get ready." And that is how I run my life. But Dejuan Walker AKA Suga Free wrote and performed the 1997 single titled, If You Stay Ready and it includes the lyrics, if you stay ready, you ain't gotta get ready.

Ali: And that is the mentality that I took into my training preparing to get back to the national team during that you know, tumultuous time. And that daunting, confronting time that I had, uh, those two years where I had kind of this whole self-discovery, but that was always in the back of my mind because I knew there was a possible phone call that would be coming. And I needed to be ready for that opportunity 'cause if I wasn't prepared and I wasn't ready, I wasn't gonna make it So I think that advice was gold for me in that moment. And I just, um, I took that along with me, uh, through those, you know, two years and, and then eventually made it back. And, uh, it all made sense then. And so I'm really grateful that she had, you know, given me that advice and that quote to, to really keep, uh, in order to, you know, achieve what I wanted to at the time.

Rachel: Well, that is a really lovely note to end this on, and really good advice. I think that can apply to a lot of different situations. So, Ali Krieger, thank you so much for being here, being our first guest, sharing your wise words with our listeners, and we're so excited to see what you do next.

Ali: Thank you. I appreciate the invite and I can't wait to continue down this path and, uh, support SELF and your podcast.

Rachel: Thank you so much. Advice To My Younger Self was produced by Hayley Fager and Rachel Miller, and edited by Hayley Fager. Peyton Hayes is our audio production coordinator, and Jake Loomis is our audio engineer. Caitlin Brody and Sergio Kletnoy are our talent bookers.

Transcript provided by Rev.com.

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