OUGD505 - SB02 - Female Role Models in Sport

OUGD505 

SB02

Female Role Models in Sport

'In some respects, it doesn't matter who inspires you. But it perhaps would have been nice to have had female trailblazers, someone to follow and show me it was possible to achieve my ambitions.' 
- Nicola Adams 

In this BBC article Nicola talks about how she only had male role models growing up as there were very few female boxers. She also discusses how she received no funding when competing internationally. There is much more support available now for young female boxers but that's only been made possible because of the success Nicola and other women like her have had on the world stage. If it wasn't for these women who are determined enough to do it by themselves, it hard to say whether these resources would be available for the up and coming athletes today. 

'But kids now look up to me and think they can also achieve something great because I have. It's an honour to think I'm inspiring so many girls to get into the sport I love. I'm happy I'm able to give them that motivation to succeed - and not necessarily only in sport but in life, too.'

Girl Guiding UK have argued that there is a lack of positive female role models in general, not just in sport. Around 55% of girls and young women questioned agreed there is a lack of strong aspirational women in general.

The association have linked the narrow range of role models and limited life aspirations. Current female role model come in the form of reality tv stars and rich and famous celebrities. 

Clearly there needs to be a change in pop culture to focus on positive, hard working role models. Media should focus on sports women and pioneering women rather than those who are famous for having the second name Kardashian.