There are millions, maybe even billions, of sports fans in the world. Everyone has their favorite team or favorite player. When you ask yourself what your favorite player might be, would a male athlete come to mind? Can you even name 10 female athletes? If so, you may not feel intrigued to continue reading. However, for those who answered no to the second question, why? Why do people find male sports more interesting than female sports? Thousands of female athletes have accomplished just as much or more than your favorite male athlete. Not to take away from all of the amazing accomplishments that male athletes have received, but why don’t women get the same opportunities as men? Although thousands of female athletes could be highlighted, there are a few who stick out.
Sha’carri Richardson – Track and Field
Sha’Carri is an American sprinter who was crowned world champion in the 100-meter dash in 2023. Richardson has overcome many obstacles and challenges throughout her life, one of which was her mother’s passing. Right before the Tokyo Olympics, Richardson’s mother passed, leading her to addiction and suspension from competing in the Olympics. However, she bounced right back and ended up being crowned world champion. Richardson shows her perseverance in tough situations, displaying her mantra of “I’m not back, I’m better”. She is also transparent about her setbacks, like her last-place finish in 2021 in the Prefontaine Classic, and then turning around and becoming a world champion.
Harper Murray – Volleyball
Harper Murray is an impressive volleyball player, playing Outside hitter for the Nebraska Cornhuskers. Over the years, Murray has been very transparent about her struggles on social media and how she continues to work through them. When Murray was young, her dad passed away due to medical issues, which has pushed her to become the player and the person that she is today. However, her struggles didn’t stop there. Once Murray reached the collegiate level, she quickly gained a large following and became somewhat of a volleyball celebrity. However, this didn’t come with only support. Murray has received death threats from grown adult “fans”, all due to her performance in a game. She is also told to harm herself, and that her dad passed due to her. However, Murray has continued to persevere and has used her struggles to become even stronger. She has so far had an amazing career with Nebraska and is a huge role model for young aspiring athletes. Murray has brought so much more publicity to the sport and is paving the way for young female athletes.
Simone Biles – Gymnastics
Simone Biles is a world-renowned athlete with hundreds of accomplishments, bringing publicity to gymnastics all over the world. Biles is an Olympic medalist and has proved to young girls that nothing is impossible. Biles has also not had an easy life. At a young age, Biles was put into foster care due to her parents’ addictions. Not only this, but she also challenged a strong taboo on female athletes’ mental health (and just athlete health in general). When Biles was struggling with her mental health during the Tokyo Olympics, she withdrew from her competitions, preserving her mental health and proving to young athletes all over the world that your sport is not the most important thing in the world. Her transparency with her mental health also helps young girls who may be struggling realize how much mental health matters.
