The Female Athlete Experience

Female athletes haven’t had an easy path. Historically, the world has been dominated by male athletes, women not only had to fight for recognition but also for equality in sports. Throughout the years women continue to prove their resilience, breaking barriers and rewriting the narrative of what women can achieve in sports. That being said, the challenges we face are constant, and although a big improvement has been made, there is still a lot of work to be done. 

For instance, despite the growing visibility of female athletes, the gender gap remains significant in many areas of sport. Female athletes still face lower pay, less media coverage, and fewer sponsorship opportunities compared to their male counterparts. The gender pay gap is evident in sports like soccer and tennis, where male athletes often receive exponentially higher salaries and prize money than female athletes. However, iconic female athletes such as Serena Williams and Megan Rapinoe have become vocal advocates for gender equality, fighting for equal pay and fair treatment. Their efforts have sparked important conversations about the systemic barriers that continue to exist in the sports world and inspired a whole generation of young girls, myself included.  

On top of these challenges, female athletes often face the pressure of maintaining an idealized image that goes beyond their athletic performance. They are frequently expected to be not just strong and skilled but also “feminine” in appearance, complicating even more the way their athleticism is perceived. These unattainable expectations and standards are exhausting and unrealistic. Especially frustrating to see how once again, women's value is reduced to their looks or their role as a mother, wife, or daughter, rather than their achievements in their respective sports. The feeling of having to prove oneself is always there and your achievements are often dismissed or undermined. 

As a female athlete myself, I have experienced firsthand the challenges that come with balancing sport, academics, and personal life while striving for excellence. However, I’ve also witnessed the immense strength that comes with being part of a community of women who support one another and break down barriers together. The female athlete experience is one of resilience, empowerment, and continuous progress. It’s a journey that not only shapes us as athletes but as individuals who stand up for what’s right and pave the way for future generations of women to thrive in sports.