In the world of professional soccer, where talent and skill should be the driving factors, it is disheartening to hear stories of players facing body-shaming and $exism. One such story is that of Lindsey Horan, a prominent player for both the Portland Thorns and the United States women’s national soccer team. Horan has recently shared her harrowing experience during her time at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), where she dealt with a body-shaming, unhealthy, and $exist culture under the direction of then-head coach Farid Benstiti, who currently holds the position of head coach at OL Reign in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).
The Disturbing Culture at PSG
Horan’s ordeal at PSG involved repeated demands to lose weight and get thinner, not solely based on her performance but on her physical appearance. These distressing requests were disconnected from her actual abilities on the field, and it took a significant toll on her mental well-being. In her recent appearance on fellow NWSL player Cari Roccaro’s podcast, Butterfly Road, co-hosted by Ginny McGowan, Horan candidly discussed the impact of this treatment, revealing that it was the lowest point in her soccer career, making her consider quitting the sport altogether. The toxic environment at PSG resulted in her losing her passion and love for the game she once cherished.
The Unhealthy Team Culture
One of the most concerning aspects of Horan’s experience was the entire team culture at PSG being structured to reinforce the unhealthy and demeaning messages around weight and body image. Benstiti’s role in perpetuating this culture was particularly distressing, and his approach to the situation was far from understanding or empathetic. Even when Horan addressed the issue publicly during the Challenge Cup, Benstiti’s response was not one of remorse or accountability, but rather an attempt to forgive her without a genuine apology.
Lack of Support Within the PSG Structure
What made Horan’s situation even more distressing was the absence of allies within the PSG structure. The team doctor, assistant coaches, and fellow players all seemed to share the same mentality towards weight and body image, leaving her feeling isolated and without support. While the Reign locker room at OL Reign, where Benstiti is now the head coach, is likely to have a different culture due to the publicity of Horan’s statements, it is essential to acknowledge the significance of the issue and ensure that young athletes are not subjected to such harmful treatment in the future.
The Importance of Addressing Body Image in Sports
As the world becomes more aware of the impact of competitive environments on athletes’ mental well-being, the focus on food, weight, and appearance in sports is increasingly coming under scrutiny. The pressure to perform at an elite level combined with the societal expectations around body image can lead to detrimental effects on athletes’ mental health. It is crucial for sports organizations, coaches, and players to address these issues and create an environment that fosters inclusivity, support, and positive mental health.
Lindsey Horan’s Current Health and Well-being
Moving beyond her past experiences, fans have expressed concern about Lindsey Horan’s current health. Fortunately, there have been no reports indicating any health issues, and she seems to be in good spirits, focusing on her playing career. While she remains active on social media platforms like Instagram, she has not shared any health-related concerns with her followers. This positive outlook is reassuring for her well-wishers, as it suggests that she is in good health and continuing to excel in her professional soccer career.
A Brief Insight Into Horan’s Career
Lindsey Horan has made a name for herself as a highly skilled and accomplished soccer player. With positions like Forward, Attacking midfielder, and Central midfielder, she has showcased her versatility and prowess on the field. Her time at the Portland Thorns FC of the NWSL earned her recognition as the league’s most valuable player in 2018. Additionally, her critical goal in the championship game was instrumental in the Thorns’ victorious 2017 season. Prior to her time with the Thorns, she had a successful stint at Paris Saint-Germain, displaying her goal-scoring abilities with 46 goals in 58 appearances.
The Bust-Up Incident and Physical Battle
Recently, Lindsey Horan made headlines for her involvement in a bust-up with a club teammate during the Women’s World Cup. The incident occurred when Netherlands star Danielle van de Donk collided with Horan, resulting in a moment of pain and frustration. Despite the physical altercation, Horan’s determination shone through as she equalized through a header from a corner kick. Her ability to overcome such challenges on the field is a testament to her resilience and dedication to the sport.
Overcoming Injury Challenges
Like many athletes, Lindsey Horan has faced her fair share of injuries throughout her career. In her early years, she had to miss the 2012 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup due to a knee injury that required surgery. However, she persevered and made a remarkable comeback, earning a spot on the senior team roster for the 2013 Algarve Cup at just eighteen years old. Her journey from injury to success exemplifies her determination and strength as a player.