Alex Morgan is the latest superstar athlete who revealed they won't be competing in the 2024 Paris Olympics. The decorated soccer star previously participated in the 2012, 2016, and 2021 Olympic games, but she was left off the 18-player roster this time around. "Today, I’m disappointed about not having the opportunity to represent our country on the Olympic stage," Alex announced on social media. "This will always be a tournament that is close to my heart and I take immense pride any time I put on the crest."
She continued, "In less than a month, I look forward to supporting this team and cheering them on alongside the rest of our country. LFG."
The striker won a gold medal with the US National Women's Soccer team at the 2012 Olympics and a bronze medal at the 2020 Olympics. Fans had lots of feelings about the news, writing, "How can you leave behind one of the nations greatest players? The disrespect is real" and "You won 3 Olympics. You should be on the team." Others pointed out that the 2024 games will mark the first major international tournament she's missed since 2008.
Emma Hayes—who became the USWNT's coach in November 2023—didn't specify why Alex was left out of the team this year, but she did speak to how difficult the decision was. "Making an Olympic roster is a huge privilege and an honor and there is no denying that it was an extremely competitive process among the players and that there were difficult choices, especially considering how hard everyone has worked over the past 10 months," the coach said on June 26. "Choosing an 18-player roster plus alternates involved many considerations, but I am excited for the group we have selected and I'm looking forward to building on the work from last camp as we head into the Send-Off matches and then onto France."
"These are great opportunities for us," she added, "to continue to show the progress we are making."
As for the fresh faces who made this year's roster, Team USA includes forwards Crystal Dunn, Trinity Rodman, Jaedyn Shaw, Sophia Smith, and Mallory Swanson; midfielders Korbin Albert, Sam Coffey, Lindsey Horan, Rose Lavelle, Catarina Macario; defenders Tierna Davidson, Emily Fox, Naomi Girma, Casey Krueger, Jenna Nighswonger and Emily Sonnett. The team's goalkeepers are Casey Murphy and Alyssa Naeher while goalkeeper Jane Campbell, forward Lynn Williams, and midfielders Hal Hershfelt and Croix Bethune serve as Team USA's alternates.
Alex, you will be dearly missed—and we'll be cheering for Team USA right alongside ya. ❤️
