Megan Rapinoe talks about her recovery and tells @JennyTaft when she hopes to return. @mPinoe #USWNT https://t.co/gVDpBjFe9S
— FS1 (@FS1) January 23, 2016
Megan Rapinoe’s race to get fit for the Rio 2016 Olympics is going well in the early stages of rehab, the United States women’s national team midfielder said.
Appearing on Fox’s pregame show on Saturday ahead of the U.S.’ match against Ireland, Rapinoe said she is feeling good while rehabbing from a torn ACL which she suffered in training on Dec. 4. The big question: Can she be ready for the Olympics just eight months after tearing her ACL? That’s the goal, but Rapinoe isn’t forcing the issue.
“It is, of course,” Rapinoe said when asked if her goal is to be ready for the Rio 2016 Olympics. “That’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, often times. Before that, though, I want to just be healthy. When I step on the field, I want to be me. And the team needs that player, and not someone who is hesitant. So, when I’m ready to do that, I’ll be back out there and I certainly hope it’s for Rio.”
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Rapinoe is an obvious candidate to make the roster and be a starter if healthy, but the timeline for recovery is tight. Women’s soccer at the Olympics begins on August 3 and team rosters are only 18 players deep, making it even more essential that every player is healthy.
The early signs are that Rapinoe is doing well.
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