Lindsey Horan, the captain of the U.S. Women’s National Team, has announced that she will be singing the national anthem at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. While this may seem like a normal occurrence for most athletes, it holds significance for the USWNT due to past controversies surrounding the national anthem.
Horan recently expressed her views on the matter, stating that she believes it is an individual choice whether or not to participate in singing the anthem. In an interview with Fox News Digital, she emphasized that for her personally, singing the anthem is one of the most special moments before a soccer game. It allows her to mentally prepare and fully embrace the honor of representing her country, her family, and the fans both in the stadium and watching from home.
The fact that Horan is choosing to sing the anthem at the upcoming Olympics speaks volumes about her commitment and pride in representing the USA. It also reflects her gratitude for being able to live out her childhood dream on such a grand stage.
In contrast to Horan’s decision, there have been instances in the past where USWNT players remained silent during the national anthem. However, Horan, along with Alex Morgan and Julie Ertz, were exceptions and chose to sing. More recently, Trinity Rodman and Emily Fox also joined in singing the anthem.
During the Tokyo Games in 2021, Carli Lloyd was the only player who stood for the anthem while the rest of her teammates kneeled. Lloyd had previously kneeled in other games but made the decision to stand for what she considered her last world championship game. She explained in an interview with CBS that she felt she had done enough kneeling and wanted to make a different statement by standing.
The varying responses from USWNT players regarding the national anthem highlight the complexity of individual choices and personal beliefs within a team setting. It showcases the importance of respecting diverse perspectives and allowing athletes the freedom to express themselves in a manner they feel most comfortable with.
Overall, Lindsey Horan’s decision to sing the national anthem at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris not only demonstrates her deep sense of patriotism but also serves as a reminder of the different ways athletes choose to honor their country. It is a powerful symbol of unity and diversity within the USWNT, ultimately showcasing the team’s unwavering commitment to representing the United States on the world stage.
