Megan Rapinoe Shares Her Journey in Memoir "One Life"
In her memoir, "One Life," released in 2020, two-time World Cup champion Megan Rapinoe opens up about her experiences in sports, her relationship with partner Sue Bird, and her journey of self-discovery. The book was recently discussed on the Celebrity Memoir Book Club podcast, hosted by comedians Claire Parker and Ashley Hamilton, who highlighted its central themes of identity and resilience.
Rapinoe, now 39, reflects on her tumultuous path to embracing her sexuality. She recounts a pivotal moment during college soccer practice when she realized she had feelings for a teammate, leading to her coming out to her twin sister, Rachel, who was also coming to terms with her own identity. This moment marked a significant turning point in both their lives.
The memoir also delves into Rapinoe’s romantic life, including her relationship with team captain Abby Wambach. Parker and Hamilton discussed the dynamic of their relationship, with Rapinoe viewing Wambach as the more mature partner. This power imbalance ultimately led Rapinoe to end their relationship after the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
In July 2012, Rapinoe took the brave step of coming out publicly. She noted that many athletes were living authentically but were not openly discussing their sexuality. The hosts emphasized Rapinoe’s desire to challenge the "don’t ask, don’t tell" mindset prevalent among her peers.
As Rapinoe became more open about her identity, she recognized the differences in how her teammates approached the topic of relationships, often using euphemisms to avoid direct discussion.
The podcast also touched on Rapinoe’s enduring relationship with Sue Bird, a four-time WNBA champion. The two met during the Rio Olympics when Rapinoe was engaged to someone else. After breaking off that engagement, the pair fell deeply in love. Bird came out publicly in 2017, encouraged by Rapinoe’s openness. Together, they launched a podcast titled "A Touch More," adding to their shared journey of love and advocacy.
For those interested in exploring Rapinoe’s life and insights, "One Life" is available wherever books are sold.
