Megan Rapinoe has had a big week by anyone’s standard.
After making headlines for telling Eight by Eight magazine that she would not go “to the fucking White House” should the US women’s national soccer team win the World Cup, President Trump lashed out at her on Twitter.
“Megan should never disrespect our Country, the White House, or our Flag, especially since so much has been done for her & the team,” he wrote in a series of three tweets Wednesday.
Trump told Rapinoe she should concentrate on winning instead of criticizing his administration.
“Megan should WIN first before she TALKS!” he wrote. “Finish the job!”
Well, dear reader, it seems she’s been doing just that.
At Friday’s game in Paris, Rapinoe led the way for her squad, scoring both goals that lifted Team USA to a 2–1 victory against host nation France.
If Rapinoe was at all concerned by Trump’s words, she certainly didn’t show it.
She scored the first goal from a free kick just five minutes into the game.
She then ran to the corner of the field and flung her arms in the air majestically in celebration as supporters in the crowd roared.
Photos of Rapinoe captured the sense of accomplishment and confidence written on her smiling face.
She was quickly ambushed by cheering members of her team, who jumped on her and hugged in celebration.
On Twitter, the USWNT said Rapinoe “is on another stratosphere right now and we’re so lucky to witness it.”
The image of Rapinoe celebrating was quickly hailed online as an iconic sports photograph.
Bill Simmons at the Ringer called it one of his favorite shots of the decade.
This is one of my favorite sports pictures of this decade. Thanks for being such an inspiration to my daughter @mPinoe - you were unbelievable today.
Others were simply in awe of Rapinoe’s skills/badassery.
I don't know what the female equivalent of big dick energy is, but Megan Rapinoe has it in spades.
I believe the appropriate translation for this image is COME AT ME BRO
Megan Rapinoe, that's it that's the tweet
Still, others couldn’t help but take the shot of a defiant Rapinoe and link it to the political drama that has followed her this week.
“How much do you hate the current president” Megan Rapinoe: “This much”
“behold the field in which I grow my fucks and see that it is barren” -megan rapinoe
For the rest of us nonsporting and/or lazy people, the pictures of Rapinoe swiftly became a hilarious meme.
The images went viral Friday and Saturday as people used Rapinoe to celebrate their own lesser accomplishments.
when I get my inbox down to ten emails
Me when I boil water and cook pasta instead of ordering delivery.
When I do the easiest task on my to-do list
when i do my core workout
when i place my order at wingstop
So, thank you, Megan Rapinoe, for your contributions to the worlds of soccer and memes.
Team USA’s next game will be against England in the semifinals July 2.
Rapinoe, we know you got this.
