Out lesbian U.S. soccer star Megan Rapinoe has been named Sports Illustrated‘s Sportsperson of the Year.
Among the athlete’s many accomplishments in 2019 was leading the American team to victory at the 2019 FIFA World Cup in France.
Rapinoe becomes only the 4th solo woman in 66 years to be named Sportsperson of the Year.
Congratulations to @mPinoe, the 2019 Sports Illustrated #Sportsperson of the Year https://t.co/FhYYGIT5a7 pic.twitter.com/fHD6sLDhxM
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) December 9, 2019
In its profile of Rapinoe, Sports Illustrated calls a photo of the 34-year-old posing after scoring the winning goal in the World Cup the “signature sporting image of 2019.”
Rapinoe said her winning pose was a direct response to the president.
“It was kind of like a ‘F— you,’ but with a big smile and a s— eating grin,” Rapinoe says. “You are not going to steal any of our joy.”
Megan Rapinoe is Sports Illustrated’s Sportsperson of the Year, only the fourth woman chosen alone https://t.co/DNLgh9EP72 pic.twitter.com/2CQWyaDS1s
— The Resistance Movement – is Merry🎄💎 (@ResistMoveTRM) December 9, 2019
The magazine also highlighted her refusal to visit Trump’s White House after she brought the U.S. to victory and how she bravely faced down temper tantrums from Donald Trump, who tweeted his disapproval of the athlete.
“I’m going to do me,” she told the magazine.
Honored to win @SInow #Sportsperson of the Year! I couldn’t have done it without the fans. This award is for all of you. #VWAmbassador #DriveBigger @vw pic.twitter.com/nLAQe0OklP
— Megan Rapinoe (@mPinoe) December 9, 2019