Carli Lloyd’s Unstoppable Spirit: From World Cup Champion to Conquering ‘Special Forces’ Challenges

After an illustrious 12-year professional soccer career that saw her achieve global recognition and numerous accolades, Carli Lloyd didn’t settle for a quiet retirement. The celebrated athlete, known for her relentless drive and unwavering commitment on the field, immediately sought a new arena to test her limits. At 40 years old, Lloyd transitioned from the high-stakes world of professional sports to the intensely demanding environment of FOX’sSpecial Forces: World’s Toughest Test. Her decision to join the reality series, which pushes 16 celebrity recruits through grueling challenges inspired by actual Special Forces selection processes, came at what she describes as “a perfect time.”

In an exclusive interview with HollywoodLife ahead of the show’s January 4 premiere, Carli elaborated on her motivation. “Had I been still playing, I would not be able to do this and risk injury,” she explained at the Special Forces red carpet event. “So for me, I think that I was just coming into this retirement phase, just kind of navigating through that and it was going to be another challenge. I challenged myself on the soccer field for so long and I wanted to see what I was made of.” This candid insight reveals a profound desire for self-discovery and continued personal growth, even after reaching the pinnacle of her athletic profession.

Carli Lloyd’s career is nothing short of legendary. She is a two-time Olympic gold medalist, a two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup champion, and was twice named FIFA Player of the Year. Her iconic hat-trick in the 2015 World Cup final cemented her status as one of the greatest midfielders in the history of women’s soccer. Throughout her professional journey, Lloyd consistently demonstrated unparalleled physical prowess, mental fortitude, and a fierce competitive spirit. These very qualities, honed over decades of intense training and high-pressure matches, made her a compelling candidate for a show designed to break down and rebuild individuals through extreme physical and psychological stressors.

The transition from a structured, team-oriented sport to the unpredictable, individualistic trials of Special Forces presented a unique set of challenges. Lloyd admitted that she “did fear” many of the tasks presented by the Directing Staff (DS), the ex-Special Forces operatives who run the camp. “I have a bit of a height thing, but I just thought, ‘I’m just going to go for it. I’m going to tackle it head-on,’” Carli recounted. This proactive approach, a hallmark of her soccer career, proved invaluable in confronting her anxieties. She understood that embracing discomfort was part of the process: “And try to do the best that I can and I know that experience will shape me into who I am and be part of my journey.”

The series is designed to push participants far beyond their comfort zones, both physically and mentally. Recruits face a battery of arduous tasks, from grueling marches across unforgiving terrain to terrifying heights and claustrophobic challenges, all while enduring sleep deprivation and intense psychological pressure from the DS. Carli explained to HollywoodLife how she refused to shy away from anything on the tough-as-nails series, including high-risk maneuvers like repelling out of a towering structure and diving out of a helicopter. These aren’t just physical tests; they are profound mental battles against innate fears and self-doubt.

For someone who has competed at the highest levels of professional sports, Carli Lloyd has certainly experienced adrenaline and pressure. However, she differentiated the challenges of Special Forces from anything she had previously encountered. “I think the craziest thing I’ve done before this is bridge-jumping in the water and things in nature,” she revealed, “but I haven’t gone as far as what I did on this show, so I still can’t believe some of the things that I got through. It was pretty wild.” The intensity and real-world stakes of military-style training offered a unique and transformative experience, pushing her physical and psychological boundaries in unprecedented ways.

The experience on Special Forces is not just about individual performance; it’s also about the unexpected bonds formed under duress. Carli joined a diverse cast of celebrities, including fellow athletes like gymnast Nastia Liukin and baseball legend Mike Piazza, alongside reality star Kenya Moore, actress Jamie Lynn Spears, and singer Mel B. Living in close quarters, facing shared fears, and relying on each other in moments of extreme vulnerability forged an unbreakable connection. Carli revealed that the 16 celebrities all bonded intensely over the “traumatic experiences” they faced on the reality show.

“I don’t know that I’ve ever been closer with a group of strangers in my entire life, and what we went through and what we got to experience together,” Carli shared, reflecting on the unique camaraderie. “It was really special.” This shared ordeal transformed a group of individuals from vastly different backgrounds into a tight-knit unit, united by the crucible of the Special Forces selection process. The emotional and psychological toll of the show, combined with the collective struggle and triumph, created an environment where genuine bonds were forged, far deeper than those typically seen on celebrity reality programs.

Carli Lloyd’s decision to participate in Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test exemplifies her enduring spirit of resilience and her continuous quest for self-improvement. Her journey from the world stage of professional soccer to the unforgiving training grounds of military-style challenges serves as an inspiring testament to pushing boundaries and embracing new experiences, particularly in the post-retirement phase of a highly decorated career. For fans eager to witness Carli and the other celebrity recruits face their ultimate tests, Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test airs Wednesdays on FOX, promising a raw and unfiltered look at human endurance.