Women in Athletics

When people are thinking about sports, very rarely is their thought process on female athletes. The reason behind this is less recognition and fame. There isn’t interest in women’s sports because there isn’t enough media coverage or money. In fact, 40% of all athletes are female yet they receive just 2 to 4 percent of media coverage, according to TPT'S award-winning documentary. Simply put, there is a stigma revolving around female athletes. Fans believe that women are not competitive enough or that they are not as good as their male counterparts. Male athletes get more media coverage and sponsorships which produces a higher revenue. The higher salaries are because of that revenue. The lack of attendance in female events causes men’s sports to be marketed with more attention. Women on the other hand, have to work ten times harder to get that same attention. As a result, there is a huge gender wage gap present in the sports industry. No matter how much female athletes work or succeed, they are paid less.

Female athletes have more pressure to succeed because if they make even one mistake, there is backlash against them. They feel like they have to prove themselves to be accepted and respected. There is always that unsupportive parent or coach who says that you can’t do sports because you’re a woman or that your body is in the way of being an athlete or a failure. Another problem is what women wear when playing sports. It's wrong to wear something a little revealing yet comfortable for a female but it’s okay for a male athlete to be half-naked? Many spectators and audience members state that the athletes are showcasing themselves for men’s pleasure and not as entities for talent or potential.  Harvard Law Review explains that, “female athletes in the United States have historically faced resistance, even outright hostility, for not confining themselves to ‘feminine’ activities.” These female athletes face criticism from society for refusing to be portrayed with sexualized standards for being stubborn and aggressive. As these females oppose sexualization, they lose support from people and money, which leaves them no choice but to meet the media's actions in the end.

Being a female athlete can impact the body and mental health in negative ways. They are brought up in such a negative environment that they start to believe all of it, even if it is completely degrading or rude. It starts to take a huge toll on their physical and mental health. Insecurities start to develop and their self-confidence plummets drastically because of the pressure and all the derogatory comments. Elizabeth Daniels, a professor at Oregon University, states that female athletes who follow sexualized standards and perfection affects their physical and mental health negatively. It can make them dissatisfied with their body. As a result, they try to achieve ultimate perfection to appease others and in the process, eating disorders occur to lose weight. This leads to depression and/or anxiety as well as a lack of concentration and sleep.

Here are some tips to elevate mental health as an athlete. Make a list and write down what you think are your strengths. Remind yourself that you are a hardworking and talented person who perseveres no matter what happens. Write down weaknesses that can be improved. Another important concept is to listen and look up to the right people. You don’t want to associate yourself with someone with a bad influence. Find someone who is a role model. You must ignore or stand up to the people who are bringing you down. Positive criticism is different than derogatory comments. Another tip is to cry it out. Even though it sounds crazy, it’s a form of healing. Talk to a trusted friend or family member when you feel down or when you just feel like you need some motivation. Let everything out about how you are feeling and what’s happening to make you feel like that. The most important thing is to help out other females. Let them know that they are not alone and make them feel better about themselves. You should make them feel loved and comfortable as you are. Supporting one another goes a long way.

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