When USWNT star Trinity Rodman and rising tennis sensation Ben Shelton made their relationship public this week, they joined the ranks of countless high-profile couples in the sports world. The pair's 'Instagram official' moment came when Shelton, currently ranked No. 14 in the world, posted a photo of the two sharing a kiss in a lift, signaling the beginning of a new chapter in their lives.
Both just 22 years old, Rodman, the talented footballer and daughter of the NBA icon Dennis Rodman, and Shelton, a notable figure in the ATP tour, are no strangers to the spotlight. As they dive into this new relationship, they will likely face the pressures and scrutiny that come with being in the public eye. Welcomed into a narrative filled with romantic and professional challenges, they follow in the footsteps of many famous sports couples.
Take, for example, David and Victoria Beckham, a couple whose romance captivated the world when they began dating in the mid-1990s. The couple's story serves as an early case study in how a high-profile relationship can impact an athlete's career. Paul Scholes, Beckham's former teammate, shared insights from the recent Netflix documentary Beckham, revealing that the pair's relationship often caused turmoil for Beckham at Manchester United, as manager Sir Alex Ferguson was less than pleased. "We knew David was pissing off the manager," Scholes recalled. Beckham's conflicts, such as driving overnight from Manchester to London just for a few minutes with Victoria, highlight the lengths one might go to maintain a romantic relationship amidst the chaos of athletic commitments.
The challenges of maintaining focus while juggling personal and professional lives are not lost on the current generation. For instance, England national team manager Glenn Hoddle once suggested that Beckham’s relationship with Victoria had hindered his performance during the 1998 World Cup. "I don’t think he’s been focused coming into this tournament," Hoddle commented at the time. Many believed that managing a high-profile love was distracting for Beckham, as he struggled to remain mentally present while performing on the field.
Then there’s the case of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, the former Arsenal and Liverpool player. After his recent move to Besiktas in Istanbul, the athlete found himself navigating similar waters with his fiancée, Perrie Edwards, a prominent member of the girl group Little Mix. Sharing about their long-distance relationship dynamics, Oxlade-Chamberlain reflected, "There were elements I could relate to. Even when I was at Liverpool, they would often come up for a week and go back down for two weeks." Their experiences echo the shared understanding and sacrifices necessary to keep love alive in the tight schedules faced by professional sportspeople.
Ben Shelton and Trinity Rodman certainly have their work cut out for them. Comparatively, Jozy Altidore, a former USMNT striker and now a minority partner in the Buffalo Bills, voiced a similar sentiment regarding dating fellow athlete Sloane Stephens. Altidore mentions the mutual understanding between them: "She is somebody who gets everything I am going through without having to say anything. You look at each other and you know right away if one of you is annoyed." Their relationship thrives on understanding and solidarity, which might be a solid foundation for Rodman and Shelton as they embark on their journey together.
Historical examples highlight the various pitfalls that can arise from being involved with another public figure. In 2005, during his time at Real Madrid, Beckham was harshly reminded of this when he expressed concern over his eldest son, Brooklyn, being chased by photographers. This incident impacted Beckham's happiness in Spain, leading him to ponder his future. “Those incidents have made me sit back and think,” he remarked somberly. The relentless scrutiny that comes with a celebrity status can take a toll, revealing the fine line athletes must navigate between personal life and public perception.
Social media adds a trapdoor of complications that was unimaginable even two decades ago. Oxlade-Chamberlain faced a barrage of hate, illustrated when Perrie Edwards was targeted with snake emojis on social media after his transfer to Liverpool. These moments emphasize the emotional toll that such high-profile pairings can entail, making it important for couples to maintain a robust support system.
Despite the challenges and pressures facing Rodman and Shelton, they are not without their predecessors who have balanced similar dynamics successfully. Couples like JJ Watt and Kealia Ohai, as well as Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe, have navigated the complexities of commitment while excelling in their respective sports. These successful relationships illustrate that, while it’s no easy feat, it is certainly doable.
As Rodman and Shelton proceed in their relationship, they will undoubtedly encounter the intense spotlight that comes with their renowned backgrounds and athletic achievements. Yet, as their respective careers unfold, the couple may also find a shared understanding and partnership that could buoy them above the distractions of fame.
In an era where public scrutiny runs rampant, stories like that of Trinity Rodman and Ben Shelton signal both the joys and hurdles of young love in the ever-demanding world of professional sports.
