How our female athletes feel forced to choose between a 'strong' or 'feminine' look

• However, many female athletes have spoken out about the pressures they feel in regards to their bodies and the way they look.
• So it is crucial our athletes feel positive about their body image and mental health if they are to achieve their potential.
• Professional young athletes make sacrifices for example forgoing family commitments and social life and enduring financial hardship, that alter their life course.

Double standards

• My own research interviewing female athletes found they are hit by a double standard.
• One of the participants, Sarah, said:
  For athletes, there are many pressures to be strong and fit, but also have that feminine look.
• For athletes, there are many pressures to be strong and fit, but also have that feminine look.
• The athletes in my study felt that these exacting standards led to intense pressure.

Pressure from all sides

• It’s clear that she is one of the fittest and healthiest women and yet the media has to try and shame her in some way.
• The researchers suggested that “carbohydrate fear” is made worse by pressure from social media and coaches.
• Most people feel some degree of pressure about the way they look.
• It is really important for people working in the sporting industry to ensure that the people they work with are protected from body image pressure, which could affect their results and abilities.