The article features an interview with Jess Carter, the English women's national team defender who played in the 2025 European Championship final against Spain. The article highlights her experiences of racism and discrimination on and off the pitch during the tournament.
Carter spoke about how she felt "like a massive weight was lifted off my shoulders" after sharing her experiences of racism with her teammates. She also talked about how she had to channel her emotions into the game, saying that winning was not about personal celebration but rather about relief for the team and their fans.
The article also touches on Carter's thoughts on the scrutiny faced by players of color in high-pressure situations, such as penalty shootouts. She explained that this added pressure can be overwhelming and that she felt "filtered out" trying to focus solely on scoring a goal.
Carter has joined Gotham FC, a team in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), after leaving Chelsea last year. While she was initially welcomed with open arms by her new teammates, she experienced some backlash when she spoke publicly about her experiences of racism during the tournament.
Overall, the article presents a nuanced and thought-provoking look at Carter's experiences as a black female athlete in a predominantly white sport. Her insights offer valuable perspectives on the challenges faced by players of color and highlight the importance of creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for athletes from diverse backgrounds.
Carter spoke about how she felt "like a massive weight was lifted off my shoulders" after sharing her experiences of racism with her teammates. She also talked about how she had to channel her emotions into the game, saying that winning was not about personal celebration but rather about relief for the team and their fans.
The article also touches on Carter's thoughts on the scrutiny faced by players of color in high-pressure situations, such as penalty shootouts. She explained that this added pressure can be overwhelming and that she felt "filtered out" trying to focus solely on scoring a goal.
Carter has joined Gotham FC, a team in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), after leaving Chelsea last year. While she was initially welcomed with open arms by her new teammates, she experienced some backlash when she spoke publicly about her experiences of racism during the tournament.
Overall, the article presents a nuanced and thought-provoking look at Carter's experiences as a black female athlete in a predominantly white sport. Her insights offer valuable perspectives on the challenges faced by players of color and highlight the importance of creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for athletes from diverse backgrounds.