Ben Shelton's girlfriend Trinity Rodman struggles with wildfire smoke in NYC match

Ben Shelton’s girlfriend, Trinity Rodman, required medical assistance during a soccer match in New York City on July 15, 2026, as wildfire smoke from Canada caused hazardous air conditions. Rodman, a star for the Washington Spirit, played through the haze but needed an oxygen mask mid-game. The match ended in a 1-0 loss for her team.

What happened during the match?

The NWSL clash between Rodman’s Washington Spirit and Gotham FC took place at Citi Field in NYC. Despite warnings about poor air quality, the game proceeded. Rodman, visibly affected by the smoke, received oxygen during the match but continued playing. The wildfires in Northwestern Canada had spread smoke across the border, prompting New York Governor Kathy Hochul to issue air quality alerts.

Why it matters for Ben Shelton

While Shelton wasn’t directly impacted by the wildfire smoke, his girlfriend’s experience underscores the growing challenges athletes face due to climate change. Shelton himself struggled at Wimbledon 2026, losing in the first round to Otto Virtanen. The early exit forced him to adjust his schedule, adding the Citi DC Open 2026 to his summer hardcourt swing.

What comes next for Shelton?

Shelton will compete in the Citi DC Open from July 27 to August 2, 2026, after securing a wildcard entry. He has a mixed record at the tournament, reaching the semifinals in 2024 and 2025 but losing in the first round in 2023. After that, he’ll defend his title at the Canadian Open in Montreal. If wildfires persist, Shelton and other athletes may face similar environmental challenges.