Olympic alpine skiing champion Mikaela Shiffrin has publicly praised retired U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) soccer star Alex Morgan for her outspoken advocacy against gender inequality in sports. Shiffrin, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and the most successful alpine skier in World Cup history, expressed her admiration for Morgan’s candid remarks on the double standards faced by female athletes, highlighting the ongoing fight for equity in sports.
In a recent post on social media, Shiffrin reacted to Morgan’s appearance on the Call Her Daddy podcast, where the soccer icon addressed the pervasive inequalities and double standards in the treatment of male and female athletes. Morgan, who won two World Cups and an Olympic gold medal during her 15-year career, has long been a vocal advocate for gender equity, notably playing a pivotal role in the USWNT’s landmark 2022 equal pay agreement with U.S. Soccer and the men’s national team. During the podcast, Morgan discussed pay disparities and societal expectations that disproportionately affect women in sports, sparking widespread conversation.
Shiffrin, no stranger to breaking barriers herself, shared her support, writing, “What a legacy you’re leaving…you’re an inspiration for so many, including me!! ❤️” on Instagram in response to Morgan’s advocacy. The skier, who has championed gender equality in her own sport, emphasized the importance of Morgan’s platform in amplifying these issues. “The more we talk about it, the more we push for change,” Shiffrin told Sportskeeda. “Alex’s voice is so powerful, and it’s incredible to see her use it to lift up others.”
Morgan’s efforts extend beyond the soccer pitch. Through her foundation, she has worked to empower young girls in sports and other fields, addressing systemic barriers that hinder their progress. Her recent comments underscored the persistent pay gap and differing societal expectations for male and female athletes, issues that resonate across disciplines.
Shiffrin, who has benefited from skiing’s relatively equal pay structure, has previously spoken about the importance of equitable treatment in sports. In a 2019 interview with Eurosport, she noted that skiing offers equal pay and coverage for men and women, a rarity in the sports world. “I’m frustrated for other girls in other sports… hopefully the more it’s talked about, the more balanced out it’s going to get,” she said. Shiffrin credited pioneers like Lindsey Vonn for paving the way, allowing her to focus on her performance rather than gender-based disparities.
The mutual respect between Shiffrin and Morgan highlights a growing movement among female athletes to advocate for systemic change. Shiffrin, who was named one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people in 2023, has herself used her platform to address social issues, including mental health and climate change, though she has been cautious about engaging in political debates due to the polarized climate.
Morgan’s retirement from professional soccer earlier this year was met with an outpouring of tributes, including from Shiffrin, who celebrated her legacy both on and off the field. Morgan’s advocacy has also extended to supporting other women’s teams, such as the Spanish players who challenged their federation over poor treatment.
As Shiffrin prepares for the upcoming World Cup season, aiming for her 100th career win, her support for Morgan underscores the solidarity among female athletes across sports. “It’s about showing what’s possible,” Shiffrin said in a recent Olympics.com interview. “When women like Alex speak out, it inspires all of us to keep pushing forward.”
With both athletes continuing to shape the conversation around gender equity, their influence is paving the way for future generations to compete on a more level playing field. For now, Shiffrin’s applause for Morgan serves as a reminder that the fight for equality in sports is far from over—but it’s one they’re tackling together.
