Women in sports need positive affirmations

Michelle Lunga

AMERICAN gymnast, Kaitlyn Ohashi, on her way to the number one spot in America, dropped out at a point when her sports career was about to take off.

After a short holiday break, she returned for training, when her coach told her that she had gained too much weight and looked like a “stuffed pig,” social media wasn’t easy on her as people ruthlessly commented about her body.

As a result of the emotional turmoil she was facing, she dropped out of gymnastics.

Although she could comment about it with a smile on her face, Ohashi had been the victim of what many women athletes face silently: Body shaming and a negative body image.

Women the world over face societal pressure concerning their body image.

Height, weight and complexion all contribute towards low self-esteem and a poor body image in many women.

Society has set standards of what beauty and attractiveness are, that leave many women with poor self-esteem and zero confidence, even though many sports women put on a brave face as they walk onto the sports fields to face their opponents.

The reality of what’s happening inside them is hidden from the public eye and many suffer silently.

Many turn to anorexia (starving oneself in order to lose weight), bulimia (over-eating then immediate vomiting of the food to avoid weight gain), over-training and many other drastic methods in order to maintain the “right figure” that will be attractive to those who watch them on the sportsfield.

Sadly, many now face depression, low confidence and low self-esteem, self-hatred, comparison to others and some turn to drugs to cope with their inner turmoil that was triggered by one nasty comment.

Sports coaches are greatly encouraged to speak positively about the athletes they train and provide counselling services to ensure that the inner wellbeing of the athletes is catered for.

This may help them to perform at their best level.

Athletes are humans too, who need positive affirmations spoken in order for them to be well emotionally and psychologically as well.