5 Things Top Female Athletes Want You to Know About the Nuts & Bolts of Competing

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When you think of fitness, you might imagine a way to blow off steam or track your progress by lifting heavy weights. But for professional athletes, fitness is more than just a pastime—it’s a career cornerstone. We chatted with three top athletes to peel back the curtain on what life in the fitness fast lane is really like. Here’s what they had to say:

1. Looks Matter More Than You’d Think

“Image is everything and can hugely hamper a female athlete’s ability to gain sponsorship deals, especially within sports that are already not mainstream,” said sprinter Jodie Williams (via Stylist).

Williams further shared that while her athletic career has given her confidence, body image issues are a tough hurdle, exacerbated by social media's magnifying glass. “Despite my muscular shape being a past source of embarrassment, I now embrace it as a badge of honor. My journey has taken me to incredible places and helped me champion other women who haven’t had the same opportunities.”

2. We’ve Still Got a Long Road Ahead

Lina Nielsen highlighted the need for more opportunities: “We need more chances for young girls in schools. Visibility in women’s sports is still a huge issue, both on TV and in marketing.”

Jodie Williams agreed, pointing out the disconnect between the fitness world and women’s sports. “We need to showcase a variety of women, not just the stereotypical image. It’s about representing all shapes, sizes, and backgrounds.” She praised Puma’s She Moves Us campaign for its inclusive approach and applauded their partnership with Women Win, which supports girls’ rights through sports.

3. Periods and Performance: An Undiscussed Reality

Jodie Williams explained, “Periods—and birth control—play a huge role in performance, but it’s a subject that is not talked about enough.”

She recounted times when her period coincided with major championships, affecting her performance and erasing months of hard work. “Your performance is often judged by how your body looks,” she noted, recalling a comment about her physique affecting her speed. Sprinter Lina Nielsen added, “We’re still women. Hormones can hit us hard, even on race days. It’s crucial for us to be role models for the next generation of female athletes.”

4. Life Beyond Training

“Contrary to popular opinion, athletics isn’t my entire life,” revealed Hannah Williams. “I also love modeling and keeping up with fashion. Not every day is about crop-tops and leggings—sometimes, it’s about dressing up and enjoying a night out.”

In the world of professional sports, balancing intense training with personal passions is key to keeping things fresh and exciting.

5. Pandemic Pitfalls

Track and field athlete Hannah Williams describes the pandemic’s impact: “Preparing for events has been a challenge, especially with solo training during lockdowns. Training for the 400 meters is tough enough without added obstacles.”

Balancing intense training with personal passions is key to keeping things fresh and exciting. After all, even the most dedicated athletes need to blow off steam and strut their stuff once in a while.