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Hope Solo and Her Long Fall Down

While Hope Solo may not see what she's done wrong, I certainly do.

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Hope Solo and Her Long Fall Down
Biography.com

As the 2016 Rio Olympics make their way to being a thing of the past, there are so many moments to cherish and be proud of for the American people. Whether it be Simone Biles' stellar performance at her first Olympics, or Michael Phelps' strong finish at his last, this was a month where many could put aside their difference and be proud to be Americans.

But as such happens, there are those situations that overshadow the good, making it hard for us to be proud of our nation's athletes. One such situation came in the form of Hope Solo, goalkeeper for the United States women's national soccer team since 2000.

Or, shall we say, former goalkeeper.

Solo performed well in her matches against the varying countries in the quarterfinals leading to Rio, but as any serious athlete will admit, performance is only part of the battle to make you one of the greats. Another aspect is upholding the values of your team and your nation. Unsportsmanlike behavior is a low blow and unacceptable.

In an interview following the U.S women's team against Sweden (which ended in a draw, 1-1), Solo expressed her frustration in the tied game.

“We played a bunch of cowards. The best team did not win today. I strongly, firmly believe that.”

While any athlete can relate to the disappointment and even anger in not winning a match, there is a difference between being a mature adult and handling your emotions, and insulting the other team.

Following this comment, and many immature antics that took place on the field in an effort to intimidate the Swedes, U.S. Soccer suspended Solo for six months (effective immediately) and terminated her contract with the national team. The International Olympic Committee said that Solo's actions and comments were, "disappointing."

In a video recording Solo's reaction to the news, she is visibly upset and does not seem to understand why she is being treated so harshly. Many online have expressed their sympathies for her in seeing this video, citing her long run with the national team and her heartbreaking finish with them.

I am not one of them.

Now, as harsh as that may come across, I don't feel any sympathy for Solo and her punishment for her actions expressed against the Swedish team. I mean, the facts are simple- Hope Solo was taking out her anger and frustration against a team of worthy opponents, stooping to name calling and insulting them after her attempts to psych them out on the field failed.

Hope Solo commented that she has given 17 years of her life to this organization. While that may be the case, she has been playing soccer since her high school days. With over two decades of basic soccer training under her belt, shouldn't we hold a professional athlete of 35 years-old to basic standard of some sort? Shouldn't we expect her to conduct herself with respect towards the other team and her place as a representative of the United States of America?

Hope Solo's comments and actions were insulting and childish, presenting the U.S. as a bunch of sore losers who can't handle a little disappointment. While Hope Solo may not see where she has done wrong, I certainly do. While it's sad that her entire career is being overshadowed by these actions, it remains true- she has made her bed. It's time to lie in it.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
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