Steph Labbé: 30 years in 30 minutes

• 3 years ago
• Radio
• Duration 28:09

Shortly before Stephanie Labbé dropped a surprise retirement notice on the soccer world, the Canadian national goalie and Olympic champion hunkered down with Anastasia to talk through her motivations, her historic career, and her plans for the future. First thing many people want to know about, is that remarkable, disarming smile on Labbé's face as she braced for Swedish penalty kickers to do their worst, with Olympic gold on the line in Tokyo. Labbé says that was pure joy. With a little bit of gaming thrown in, just to give the Swedes something to think about. But if Labbé was doing exactly what she loves most…why is she doffing the gloves so soon afterward? When its time, you know. And she did. 20 years on the national team, 13 years a pro. 85 international caps. Fresh Olympic gold hanging around the neck. As far as competition goes, Labbé has nothing left to prove to anyone. But post competition? Labbé’s the first to say, Sports is all she really knows. So she’s going to be in the mix somehow. She points out that one of the side benefits of Canada’s historic Olympic win, is pressure is mounting for a professional women’s league to finally come to this country. Good luck keeping Labbé on the sidelines when that comes to pass!