Ashlyn Harris Says Her ‘Body Hurts Every Day’ Post-Retirement: ‘Rode These Wheels Until They Fell Off’ (Exclusive)

Ashlyn Harris Reflects on Soccer Career and Post-Retirement Struggles

Ashlyn Harris, the former NWSL star and a mother of two, recently shared insights into the challenges she faces post-retirement from her soccer career. After spending a decade in the league and winning two World Cup championships, Harris, now 39, disclosed that her body experiences constant pain every day. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, she revealed the consequences of pushing her body to its limits during her time as a professional athlete and expressed how she copes with the physical toll.

Harris expressed her deep dedication to her sport and the pursuit of excellence that drove her throughout her career. She described her love for being part of a team striving for perfection and success, emphasizing the satisfaction she derived from participating in a collective effort towards positive change. However, she now grapples with the aftermath of her intense athletic journey, waking up each day in significant discomfort. The toll on her body manifests as a reminder of the achievements she once pursued zealously.

The retired soccer player acknowledged the wear and tear her body endured during her competitive years, noting that she now faces physical limitations that were not present before. Harris candidly shared that activities as simple as sneezing or movement on rainy days can trigger pain, often reminding her of her past glories on the soccer field. Juggling the demands of motherhood alongside managing her physical well-being has become a priority, prompting her to focus on practices like stretching, yoga, and relying on pain relief solutions like Tylenol.

Despite the challenges of navigating post-athletic life and dealing with ongoing physical discomfort, Harris remains resilient and determined to stay active for her children. She highlighted the lack of financial security that many female athletes encounter after retiring, underscoring the importance of prioritizing self-care and maintaining a healthy lifestyle to sustain her physical abilities. Embracing partnerships with brands like Tylenol, Harris seeks effective pain management solutions that enable her to remain engaged and mobile despite the toll her body has endured.

In her advocacy for women’s health and sports, Harris commended Tylenol’s commitment to supporting female athletes and investing in initiatives that promote well-being within the athletic community. As a testament to her own experiences with multiple surgeries and injuries, she recognised the significance of reliable pain relief solutions in enabling athletes to perform at their best. Harris expressed gratitude for the brand’s contribution to women’s sports and its emphasis on safe and effective pain management, aligning with her personal values as a mother and athlete.

Through her openness about her post-retirement struggles and commitment to advocating for women’s health in sports, Ashlyn Harris offers a candid perspective on the challenges athletes face beyond their professional careers. Her journey serves as a reminder of the physical and emotional toll of elite sports, as well as the importance of prioritizing self-care and well-being in the pursuit of athletic excellence.

Overall, Ashlyn Harris’ story sheds light on the less visible aspects of a professional athlete’s life, highlighting the resilience and determination required to navigate the physical and emotional challenges post-retirement. Her candid reflections and advocacy for women’s health underscore the significance of prioritizing self-care and pain management in sustaining a fulfilling and active lifestyle beyond the realm of competitive sports.