Good for a Girl

1. Women's bodies face unique challenges in sports

"There is something wrong with our sports systems, and deep down we know it. The sports environments we fought so hard to have equal access to were built by men, for men and boys."

Unique female physiology: Women's bodies undergo significant changes during puberty and throughout their athletic careers. These changes include breast development, widening hips, and fluctuating hormones, which can affect performance and body image. Unlike their male counterparts, female athletes must navigate these physical changes while competing at high levels.

Misunderstood health concerns: Many female athletes face issues such as:

• Disordered eating
• Amenorrhea (loss of menstrual periods)
• Low bone density
• Increased risk of stress fractures

These problems often stem from a lack of understanding of female physiology in sports medicine and coaching. The sports industry's failure to address these concerns can lead to long-term health issues and shortened athletic careers for women.

2. The pressure to be thin undermines female athletes' health and performance

"I learned that fat was essential for normal menstrual function and fertility. I had no interest in babies, but I didn't want amenorrhea, the total loss of periods that could lead to osteoporosis and stress fractures: the dreaded condition known as the 'female athlete triad.'"

Harmful body ideals: The sports world often promotes an unrealistic body image for female athletes, emphasizing leanness over health and performance. This pressure can lead to:

• Eating disorders
• Psychological stress
• Reduced performance
• Increased injury risk

Long-term consequences: The pursuit of an idealized "athletic" body can have severe repercussions:

• Disrupted hormonal function
• Decreased bone density
• Compromised immune system
• Mental health issues

Athletes and coaches need to prioritize overall health and sustainable performance over achieving a specific body type or weight. Educating athletes about proper nutrition and the importance of maintaining a healthy body composition is crucial for long-term success and well-being.

3. Puberty and menstruation are not obstacles, but essential for female athletic development

"Nobody told me there were benefits to the menstrual cycle far beyond reproduction, and that my athletic future would depend on it."

Embracing physiological changes: Puberty and menstruation are often viewed as hindrances to athletic performance, but they are crucial for female athletes' long-term development. These processes contribute to:

• Bone density development
• Muscle mass accumulation
• Hormonal balance necessary for peak performance

Education and support: Coaches, parents, and athletes need to understand that:

• Performance plateaus during puberty are normal and temporary
• A regular menstrual cycle is a sign of good health, not a weakness
• Tracking menstrual cycles can help optimize training and performance

By embracing these natural processes and providing appropriate support, female athletes can build stronger, healthier bodies capable of sustained high performance throughout their careers.

4. The sports industry's male-centric approach fails female athletes

"The sports environments we fought so hard to have equal access to were built by men, for men and boys. Our definition of gender equality has been 'getting what men have, the way they have it,' and it's backfiring."

Outdated systems: The current sports industry is built on a male model that doesn't account for female physiology and experiences. This leads to:

• Inappropriate training methods
• Inadequate health support
• Biased performance expectations

Necessary changes: To better serve female athletes, the sports industry needs to:

• Develop female-specific training programs
• Increase representation of women in coaching and leadership roles
• Invest in research on female athlete health and performance
• Create policies that support women's unique needs (e.g., pregnancy, menstruation)

By reimagining sports systems with women in mind, we can create an environment where female athletes can truly thrive and reach their full potential.

5. Pregnancy and motherhood should not end athletic careers

"I believe it was the first time a female professional athlete had inked a significant endorsement deal while openly pregnant. It felt like progress."

Challenging outdated beliefs: Historically, pregnancy has been viewed as career-ending for female athletes. This perception is changing as more women continue to compete at high levels during and after pregnancy.

Supporting athlete mothers: The sports industry needs to adapt to support pregnant athletes and new mothers:

• Provide maternity leave and return-to-sport policies
• Offer childcare support during training and competitions
• Adjust sponsorship contracts to accommodate pregnancy and early motherhood
• Celebrate athletic achievements of mothers to inspire others

By embracing motherhood as part of an athlete's journey, the sports world can retain talented competitors and promote a more inclusive environment for women.

6. Honest storytelling can change the narrative around women in sports

"I decided that if I was going to put my heart into this sport again, I would approach things differently. Making everything about winning, about the Olympics, about being the best . . . it felt bad."

Power of vulnerability: Sharing authentic experiences, including struggles and failures, can:

• Humanize athletes
• Challenge unrealistic expectations
• Inspire and connect with a broader audience

Changing the conversation: By telling honest stories, athletes can:

• Highlight important issues in women's sports
• Encourage body positivity and self-acceptance
• Promote a more holistic view of athletic success

Honest storytelling not only benefits individual athletes but also contributes to a cultural shift in how we perceive and support women in sports.

7. Building a supportive environment is crucial for female athletes to thrive

"Success to me looked like developing the empowered athlete, not just the winning athlete."

Holistic approach: Creating a supportive environment for female athletes involves:

• Comprehensive health care (physical, mental, nutritional)
• Emphasizing long-term development over short-term results
• Encouraging athlete autonomy and self-awareness

Team culture: Fostering a positive team culture that:

• Celebrates diverse body types and abilities
• Encourages open communication about health concerns
• Promotes mutual support and empowerment among athletes

By prioritizing athlete well-being and creating a nurturing environment, teams can help female athletes reach their full potential both in and out of competition.

8. Intersectional feminism is necessary for true progress in women's sports

"White feminism is laced with racism, intentional or not. If I had approached Mark Parker as an intersectional feminist, I would have advocated for true body diversity, not just the inclusion of muscles."

Recognizing diversity: Intersectional feminism acknowledges that women face different challenges based on their race, class, sexuality, and other identities. In sports, this means:

• Addressing racial disparities in opportunities and representation
• Challenging beauty standards that favor white, Western ideals
• Ensuring accessibility for athletes from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds

Inclusive advocacy: To create meaningful change, we must:

• Amplify diverse voices in sports leadership and media
• Develop policies that address the needs of all women athletes
• Promote representation of diverse body types and experiences in sports marketing

By embracing intersectional feminism, the sports world can work towards true equity and inclusion for all women athletes.

9. Coaching with empathy and holistic support leads to sustainable success

"I wanted to coach women to be the best in the world, but without subscribing to the dominant paradigm that athletes are disposable and that winning was worth just about any price."

Athlete-centered approach: Empathetic coaching focuses on:

• Building trust and open communication
• Encouraging athlete autonomy and self-awareness
• Balancing performance goals with overall well-being

Comprehensive support: Holistic athlete development includes:

• Physical training tailored to individual needs
• Mental health support and stress management
• Nutritional guidance for long-term health
• Career and personal development opportunities

By prioritizing athlete well-being and fostering a supportive environment, coaches can help athletes achieve sustainable success and maintain a lifelong love for their sport.

Last updated: November 18, 2024