7 Blogs Every Female Athlete Needs to Read
Being a female athlete isn't always easy. See how some of the best are working to overcome prejudice and stereotypes in the sporting world.
Finding your voice as a female athlete is not always easy. Being judged not for your skill but your gender or the way you look is frustrating but it’s time to stand up and break out. From tennis stars, CrossFit athletes and women in the know, here are seven blogs that will help you take on the haters.
1. Scrapping the stereotypes
While society might suggest there is only one way to look womanly, female athlete and CrossFit queen Miriam Krug believes otherwise. Read Miriam’s letter to the haters that question her looks and motivation.
2. Taking from the game changers
In 1967, Kathrine Switzer became the first female athlete to officially run the Boston Marathon. Despite the challenges, she persevered. Let her fearlessness help you find your own courage to take on the boundaries you might face, in sport as in life. Read her story here.
“I had a lot of external negative stuff thrown at me but running gave me a huge sense of strength and persistence.”Kathrine Switzer , American marathon runner & author
3. Knowing your self-worth
Women over-apologize. Learn why Hannah Sellers believes it’s time we stop undermining our self-worth. Read her 4 Tips to Kick Your ‘Sorry Habit’ and take ownership of your ideas.
“Women who’d be labeled as confident, strong, driven professionals and of equal merit in a sport setting, are undermining themselves with just one single word.”Hannah Sellers, Assistant Manager Corporate Communications
4. Being like Billie
Billie Jean King: An international tennis star who challenged the status quo by playing (and beating) Bobby Riggs in three sets, proving that gender is not everything.
Take inspiration from Billie’s approach and never shy away from showing the world that women are just as talented and as capable as men.
“It's very important that in law, in sports and in every area of life, everyone has an opportunity.”Billie Jean King, American tennis player
5. Fighting prejudice
As a female athlete, facing unfair scrutiny and prejudice because of gender shouldn’t distract you from focusing on your goals… it certainly hasn’t stopped pro boxer Ornella Wahner. Read how she is punching prejudice in the face and maybe you’ll learn how to do the same.
6. Removing bias
Picture a group of players on a football pitch or a group of business leaders in a meeting room. What gender do you see? Jinny Lim tackles the issue of unconscious bias.
“By putting a potentially inadequate label on people, our behavior towards them becomes distorted and inappropriate. Jinny Lim”Jinny Lim, Neuroscientist & Football player
7. Be strong and belong
Feeling strong and empowered comes from feeling like you belong. For teenage girls in sports this feeling can be hard to find. But as two members of New Zealand’s Black Ferns explain, sport is so much more than a game and keeping girls and women in sports is about keeping them empowered throughout their whole lives.
“It’s important for every female athlete to see other females succeeding in life. Not just in sports, but in business and in politics.”Les Elder, The New Zealand Black Ferns
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