Athletes train to perform, not to conform to body image standards. Their bodies are shaped by the demands of their sport, proper fueling, and genetics, while maintaining optimal health - not by trends or ideals. Commenting on how those bodies look— muscular, lean, heavy, not "feminine" or "masculine" enough—devalues their hard work because of superficial judgment. Focusing on an athlete's appearance or weight detracts from their performance, leading to a skewed perception of what success truly means.
Damaging to Mental Health
No athlete is immune to the impact of body shaming or objectification. Negative comments can lead to anxiety, body dissatisfaction, low self-esteem, eating disorders, body dysmorphia and harmful behaviors. fuel anxiety, eating disorders, and body dysmorphia. Despite excelling in sport or being at the peak of their physical capabilities, athletes can suffer significant psychological stress from being critiqued for not conforming to unrealistic societal body image standards. The pressure to look a certain way, rather than perform at their best, can lead athletes to overtraining and under-eating, putting their health and careers at risk. Sport is stressful. Comments on body image adds to the pressure. Athlete bodies are built for sport, not for approval.
It’s Sexist
Comments concerning athletes' bodies often reflect underlying sexism. Female athletes face more scrutiny regarding their looks, attire, or body shape, whereas male athletes are often commended for their strength and power. This double standard perpetuates outdated gender roles, diminishing athletes to mere physical appearances instead of celebrating their achievements. Sexism can make athletes feel as if their worth is tied to their body image, leading them to prioritize looks over other achievements or health. The combined influence of sexist gender roles and unrealistic body ideals can significantly damage self-esteem and overall mental well-being.
Ignoring a Healthy Functional Body
When athletes focus excessively on appearance, they risk losing sight of the functional purpose of their bodies. A healthy body that perform well may not conform to conventional body image standards, demonstrating a distinction between a functioning body and an aesthetic one. There is no single "ideal" body type for athletic performance. Athletes can come in many shapes and sizes. Appreciating what the body can do, rather than what it looks like, may be a protective factor against body image problems, mental health issues and eating disorders.
Athletes are not training to meet beauty standards. They’re training to compete, to excel, to inspire, to protect their mental and physical health and to maintain joy for the sport that they love. Athletes deserve respect without conditions.
Stop obsessing over what athletes’ bodies look like. Let’s shift the focus from appearance to achievement.
Athletes are not training to meet beauty standards. They’re training to compete, to excel, to inspire, to protect their mental and physical health and to maintain joy for the sport that they love. Athletes deserve respect without conditions.
Stop obsessing over what athletes’ bodies look like. Let’s shift the focus from appearance to achievement.