Empowering Young Women: Female Olympians Redefine Strength & Inspire

I loved watching the Olympics and often find myself on the edge of my seat as if these athletes are my own family members. The dedication and sacrifices these women and men make are nothing short of inspiring.
Who is inspiring you?

I have been inspired by Ilona Maher, a member of the US Women's Rugby Team that won the bronze medal. I love her positive messages, from fueling our bodies to appreciating what our bodies allow us to do, to inspiring others to "find a place where you feel comfortable, fit, and are able to express yourself."

In one tearful video, Ilona shared that it hurts when people call her masculine or suggest that she takes steroids. She went on to share:

"They think women should be fragile and petite and quiet and meek, but that’s not the case. Women can be strong, and they can have broad shoulders, and they can take up space, and they can be big. I think I’m getting emotional because I feel very passionate about this. There will always be negative people out there. Don’t let anybody try to define or dictate how you feel about yourself. You get to decide that.”
Female Olympians face significant challenges, particularly when handling negative criticism and media pressure. Here's how many of them are addressing these issues and what you need to encourage your daughter to do too!

Prioritizing Mental Health
Simone Biles, the renowned gymnast, set a powerful example by withdrawing from some events in the Tokyo Olympics to focus on her mental well-being. This decision highlighted the importance of mental health for athletes and sparked a broader conversation about the pressures they face.

Challenging Beauty Standards
Many female athletes are pushing back against unrealistic beauty standards and focusing on their performance and strength. For example, rugby player Ilona Maher has been vocal about eating to fuel her body and responding to critics who comment on her BMI, emphasizing athleticism over appearance.

Redefining Femininity in Sports
Athletes are challenging traditional notions of femininity in sports. They demonstrate that strength, competitiveness, and athleticism are not exclusive to male athletes and that these qualities can coexist with femininity.

Speaking Out Against Double Standards
Female athletes are increasingly vocal about the double standards they face. For instance, behaviors that are often praised in male athletes (such as being assertive or showing intense emotions) are frequently criticized when exhibited by female athletes.

Focusing on Performance Over Appearance
Many Olympians are shifting the conversation from their looks to their athletic achievements. They're emphasizing their skills, training, and accomplishments rather than conforming to societal expectations about their appearance.

Supporting Each Other
Female athletes are creating support networks and standing up for each other in the face of criticism. This solidarity helps them navigate the challenges they face collectively.

Addressing Racial and Gender Biases
Black female athletes, in particular, face intersectional challenges. Many are speaking out against both racial and gender biases in sports, calling for more inclusive and equitable treatment.

Embracing Their Strength
Rather than downplaying their physical strength to conform to traditional feminine ideals, many female athletes are proudly showcasing their muscular physiques and athletic abilities.

By addressing these issues head-on, female Olympians are not only handling criticism and pressure but also reshaping public perceptions and inspiring the next generation of athletes. Their actions are contributing to a more inclusive and supportive environment in sports, challenging long-standing stereotypes and biases.

Encourage your daughter to be inspired by these incredible women and to apply these lessons in her own life. Together, we can foster a supportive and empowering environment for all girls to thrive.

If your daughter is in middle school, the Survive & Thrive in Middle School course is the tool you both need to support her in her journey. This video-based course includes PDF exercises and sections for both parents and daughters, making it a comprehensive resource for navigating the challenges and opportunities of middle school. Equip your daughter with the confidence, skills, and resilience to excel and enjoy her middle school years.

If your daughter is in grades 5 through 8, we would love for her to join The Brave Girl Tribe for our ongoing discussions on making new friends, dealing with bullies, handling friendship issues, and boosting confidence, among other life-coaching topics the girls request when dealing with middle school issues. We meet tonight at 7 pm EST/ 6 pm CST/ 4 pm PST. Click here to register your daughter as a guest.

Explore More Resources on The Brave Girl Project Website

Discover a variety of tools and resources tailored for you and your daughter on our course page at The Brave Girl Project website. Dive in to find additional support that could be instrumental in navigating this summer's friendship challenges. Take a look and see what else might be helpful for you both! Click Here to access the course page.

Warmly,

Laura Hayes
Founder of The Brave Girl Project
Life Coach for Tween & Teen Girls
www.TheBraveGirlProject.com
[email protected]
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