Solo, Jones as media stars vs. athletes
Hope Solo is not what you would describe as “introverted.” She is one of the most outspoken members of the USA women’s soccer team, if not the most outspoken Olympian. It is getting to the point though, where Solo may be remembered more for her mouth than her hands.
In timely fashion, Solo has released a memoir chronicling her life on and off the field. Inside, she accuses former U.S. women’s soccer coach Greg Ryan of shoving her after a heated argument. It’s possible she didn’t realize the impact the book would have on those mentioned – but it’s even more possible that she did.
Hope Solo is not unlike track and field athlete Lolo Jones, as both women have made a name for themselves via their media presence as well as via their tremendous athletic skill. Jones has been featured on magazine covers and on late night television; Solo has blasted several people on Twitter and has been a guest of numerous talk shows.
The only major difference is their win-loss ratio. Solo was a major contributing factor to the 2007 World Cup and 2012 gold medal championships and is entirely aware of it. Jones failed to place on the podium at the London Games for the second Olympics in a row and was highly criticized for it.
Regardless of the sport they compete in, both ladies are beautiful enough, smart enough and sassy enough to leave their image behind. Will Solo continue to call out former teammates but get away with it because of her amazing saves in the net? Will Jones continue to pose nude in popular publications but get away with it even without a recent win under her belt?
It will be interesting to see how social media and a morbid fascination with athletes’ personal lives will have an impact on the Rio Games in 2016.
