SHAPING ATHLETICS: BODY IMAGE ISSUES IN WOMEN'S SPORTS
Work by Asia Cymone Smith:
Editor, Interviewer, Videographer, Researcher
Sports are a place for women to break barriers and achieve feats that inspire young girls everywhere. However, many athletic environments are plagued with negative messaging regarding body image. Body dissatisfaction is a widespread pandemic for female athletes. This issue can be identified as unhealthy diet habits, poor mental health, verbal abuse from coaches, and body shaming in the media. It is important for athletes, professionals, and spectators to speak up about the topic in order to bring awareness to the issue. When we open up the discussion, we can help restore the importance of diversity and acceptance in women's athletics today and in our future.
PART ONE
Eating Disorders
Fueling your body is one of the most important aspects of being an athlete. That is why the number of female athletes engaging in unhealthy dieting habits is concerning. Many women strive to attain the desired thin body type admired by society today, but they do it at the cost of their own health and success. Recognizing the issue of disordered eating habits by female athletes is the first step to changing our perception on body image. In this video, collegiate golfer and social media sports influencer Logan Hackett opens up about her struggle with an eating disorder and beach volleyball player Bella Bauman discusses the impact of playing in a swimsuit. Because these two athletes’ struggles with body image are not unique to them, sports dietitian Janel Reeves shares her knowledge about the issue.
PART TWO
A Coaches Impact
Coaches are expected to help athletes grow into the strongest and most confident version of themselves. However, female athletes do not always have this ideal experience. Many young women experience body shaming through verbal abuse by the coaches they trust the most. Two University of Florida athletes, a dancer and a soccer player, open up about the undiscussed side of coaching experiences. Dr. Shanaz Sawyer explains the emotional impact of body shaming from coaches, while sports dietitian Janel Reeves helps guide athletes who have experienced abuse back towards healthy eating habits. Educating both coaches and athletes about the correct ways to go about dieting and training can help preserve the passion of sports for female athletes today.
PART THREE
Fans and the Media
Athletes in the media aren't turning heads just because of their athletic achievements. They also experience constant judgement regarding their body image. The good and the bad messages... USA Track and Field heptathlete Chari Hawkins has experienced them all. Recognizing the issue of commenting on body image is the first step in treating female athletes with dignity online. While Hawkins shares her experiences as a big-time athletic influencer, media researcher Dr. Robyn Goodman explains both the issues and solutions to creating a positive environment for all athletic women in the media.
