NJ’s Christie Rampone Withdraws From Olympics

Christie Rampone, the former Point Pleasant Borough High School and Monmouth University star, released a statement saying she was not physically able to compete for a spot on the team that will play in Brazil this summer.

"I really appreciate (Coach Jill Ellis) inviting me in, but at this time, I don't feel 100 percent healthy enough to train and compete at that level ... I have an understanding of the level of fitness and health needed to push for an Olympic roster spot, and I know I'm not there right now. It's not the right choice for myself or the team to put myself in that environment.”

Rampone already has three Olympic gold medals, and two World Cup Championships. She is the last active member of the 1999 World Cup winning team, the oldest player to appear in a FIFA Women's World Cup game, and the second-most capped player in U.S. and world history. Rampone has not played for the U.S. squad since undergoing knee surgery in December.