What We Can Learn from Female Olympians About Body Diversity and Strength
This past weekend I was watching the US women's gymnastics team flip and soar with grace, and then witnessing the raw power and elegance of the US women's swim team at the Paris Olympics, I was struck by a profound realization: strength and beauty come in so many different forms. These awe-inspiring athletes, each with their unique body types, inspired me to delve into the lessons we can learn about body diversity and strength. Let's explore how these amazing athletes can help us heal our relationship with food and embrace our unique bodies.
Embracing Body Diversity
In the world of female Olympians, there is no one-size-fits-all. From gymnasts to weightlifters, swimmers to sprinters, each athlete has a unique body type that suits their sport. Seeing Simone Biles’ compact, muscular frame performing breathtaking gymnastics routines (she has 5 moves named after her!), and then watching Katie Ledecky’s (11-time Olympic medalist…with more to come!) tall, lean physique effortlessly cutting through the water, powerfully demonstrated that beauty and strength come in many forms.
By celebrating this diversity, we can challenge the narrow beauty standards often promoted by the media and recognize that our own bodies, with all their individual traits, are capable of incredible things. It’s about shifting our focus from appearance to performance, from what our bodies look like to what they can do.
Focusing on Strength
Female Olympians train for strength, agility, and endurance, not for a specific look. This focus on functional fitness is central to intuitive eating and maintaining a healthy relationship with food. These athletes fuel their bodies with the nutrients needed to perform at their best, rather than adhering to restrictive diets.
I found Allyson Felix’s story particularly inspiring. As one of the most decorated track and field athletes (11-time Olympic medalist - 6 golds in Rio de Janeiro 2016!), Felix has openly shared her journey with food and training, emphasizing the importance of listening to her body and fueling it appropriately. Her achievements on the track are a powerful example of how prioritizing strength and performance over aesthetics can lead to extraordinary success.
For those of us who have struggled with chronic dieting, adopting this mindset can be transformative. Instead of counting calories or following fad diets, we can learn to nourish our bodies in a way that supports our overall health and well-being. It’s about giving ourselves permission to eat in a way that feels good, rather than striving for an unrealistic ideal.
Image by Howard Schatz
The Power of Resilience
The road to the Olympics is rarely smooth. These athletes face numerous challenges, setbacks, and moments of doubt. Yet, it’s their resilience that sets them apart. They fall, they get back up, and they keep pushing forward. This resilience is something we can all learn from.
When I struggled with my own body image and relationship with food, it was easy to feel defeated when the scale wasn’t showing the number I wanted and my reflection in the mirror was never enough. But by adopting the mindset of an Olympian, we can approach these challenges with determination and self-compassion. Each small step forward, each healthy choice, is a victory in itself.
Practical Tips for Embracing Diversity and Strength
Celebrate Your Unique Body: Take a moment to appreciate what your body can do. Whether it’s running, dancing, or simply walking, recognize and celebrate your body’s abilities.
Focus on Performance: Set fitness goals that emphasize strength, endurance, or flexibility rather than appearance. Enjoy the process of getting stronger and more capable.
Nourish Your Body: Listen to your hunger and fullness cues. Choose foods that make you feel energized and satisfied, rather than restricting or dieting.
Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself. Understand that setbacks are a part of the journey, and treat yourself with the same compassion you would offer a friend.
