Main Image by International Canoe Federation
Olympic fever is upon us once again. Who didn't, as children, take up a sport in their backyard or create games with friends after being inspired by the athletes on TV? Today, the range of Olympic heroes is broader than ever, and many athletes deserve more than their gold medals for their unwavering commitment to their sport, their dedication to success, and the challenges they face head-on away from the arena. We are rooting for every woman prevailing this year in sports traditionally dominated by male participants. Here are a few women who have won their Olympic Gold, but deserve accolades beyond the podium.
Jessica Fox
Image courtesy of International Canoe Federation
Who wasn’t on their feet watching Jessica Fox take home the gold medal in the Canoe and Kayak single events. She is a powerhouse with paddles and not only has she excelled in her sport, her legacy extends far beyond the medals and records.
Jessica’s commitment to breaking down barriers has seen her excel in a sport traditionally male-dominated, a sport that requires immense physical strength, agility, and mental toughness. Her achievements have completely raised the profile of women’s events and the importance of equal opportunities and recognition for women athletes.
Away from the water, Jessica advocates for the importance of education, equal recognition and funding for female athletes. She raises awareness about the challenges faced by women in sports and the need for systemic change to create a level playing field. Not to mention she is a role model who inspires young girls to pursue their passion for sports, particularly in disciplines like canoe slalom.
Fox is also a strong advocate for mental health awareness in sports. She highlights the pressures and challenges that athletes face and promotes the importance of mental well-being. Her openness about her own experiences helps destigmatise mental health issues and encourages athletes, especially women, to seek help and support when needed.
She is a true champion, both on and off the water.
Pauline Ferrand-Prévot
Image courtesy of Canadian Cycling Magazine
Bringing the Olympic gold home for France was the missing piece of Pauline Ferrand-Prévot’s illustrious career as a multi-event cyclist. Her achievement was described as “flawless and emotional” by Cycling News. The home crowd were with her for every rotation of the pedals as she overcame her past struggle with injuries and mental challenges.
Ferrand-Prévot has been transparent about how difficult she has found recovering from a serious leg injury (iliac artery endofibrosis) in 2015/16 which resulted in surgery in 2017. The recovery was hard and she had a further setback in 2019 and required surgery again. The pressure to perform at a high level, combined with the stress of dealing with her injuries, took a toll on her mental well-being. She has spoken about the importance of mental health awareness in sports and the need for athletes to seek support when needed.
Image courtesy of Red Bull
Despite these challenges, Pauline Ferrand-Prévot has demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination. She has made successful comebacks, winning major titles in mountain biking and continuing to compete at the highest levels. Her journey through injury and recovery highlights her strength and perseverance as an athlete, as well as her commitment to her sport. And now she has lifted the Olympic Gold, inspiring a whole generation of young mountain-bikers.
Coco Yoshizawa
Image courtesy of Reuters
Fulfilling the dream of youngsters everywhere was Coco Yoshizawa who took home Olympic Gold in Street Skateboarding at just 14 years old. It was her first ever Olympic competition, although she has been boarding since she was 7 years old.
Yoshizawa's rapid rise in the skateboarding world is marked by her impressive performances in various competitions. She placed fifth in the Japanese national championships in 2021 at just 11 years old, secured second place at the Uprising Tokyo tournament in 2023, and won a bronze medal at the World Skateboarding Tour in Dubai in 2024. However, her most notable achievement was at the 2024 Summer Olympics, where she performed a "big spin flip frontside boardslide" (the skateboard rotates and flips both vertically and horizontally before the skater lands on a rail and then slides down backwards) scoring 272.75 points to win gold
Understandably, there were nerves, however, Coco handled her new found fame and position with incredible maturity for such a young girl.
“I was a bit nervous at my first Olympics,” Yoshizawa said. “I felt more pressure than in other competitions because there were so many fans. I took it as a positive that they were cheering for me. I was able to skate the way I wanted."
Image courtesy of Julian Finney/Getty Images
Coco’s profile has grown enormously since her win, she went to the Olympics with 3,000 Instagram followers, and she now has over 65,000. She is a true ambassador for the sport with the way she presents herself and her country on the world’s biggest stage.
It is worth noting that her teammate and friend, Liz Akama took the silver medal, at just 15 years old. Skateboarding in Japan has understandably risen in popularity in recent years, and it is safe to say that more and more young girls will be inspired to try it out for the first time on the back of Coco and Liz’s success.
Simone Biles
Image courtesy of Yahoo
I don’t think we can write a blog about inspirational female Olympians without mentioning Simone Biles. Often hailed as the greatest gymnast of all time, Simone, has made an indelible mark on the Olympic stage with her unparalleled skills, resilience, and trailblazing achievements. Her journey through the Olympics is a testament to her extraordinary talent and dedication to the sport.
Simone Biles' impact extends beyond her medal count. She has inspired countless athletes with her performances and her advocacy for mental health. Biles has also been a vocal advocate for survivors of abuse, using her platform to call for accountability and change within the sport.
Biles' combination of technical prowess, innovative routines, and fearless attitude has redefined gymnastics. Her contributions to the sport, both on and off the mat, ensure her legacy will endure for generations.
Even if you watched her Olympic Performance, it is well worth watching again!
The 2024 Olympic Games in Paris are brimming with inspirational women, showcasing an unprecedented strength and visibility in women’s events. Their remarkable achievements stir our inner child, reminding us to embrace challenges and step beyond our comfort zones. Let their courage and dedication inspire you to try something new—get out there and give it your all!
Sunday Inspiration
Favourite Podcast
The Pursuit of Gold with Laura Wilkinson
What do the world's top athletes do to prepare them for the biggest competitions of their career. Laura interviews elite athletes, sports professionals, coaches, and experts to unlock the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual tools that shape the whole athlete and generate peak performance.
Favourite Book
Strong is The New Pretty: A Celebration of Girls Being Themselves by Kate
As our eyes are glued to the TV this fortnight, we thought a visual representation of female empowerment would be better than a long read. Former soccer player, Kate T Parker has gathered a series of powerful photographs of girls and young women who are determined, stubborn, cheeky, wild, smeared with dirt and dressed how they like. Each image is accompanied by a comment from the girls themselves. Simple, but powerful, this is a great book for all of our inner children, and our actual children, who would benefit from knowing that beauty is being your authentic self.
Favourite Song
This Girl is on Fire - Alicia Keys
A classic song about female empowerment that has been circling our heads all week!
