In the wake of the last two years and the impact the Coronavirus has had on sports and aspiring athletes, some of this generation’s best and brightest have been making efforts to ensure that the next generation’s female athletes have the inspiration to keep going. A lot of articles discussing female athletes are focused on things like the Women’s Australian Open odds, or who is likely to win at the World Championships, but there is more to being a top athlete than just coming first place. Many of these athletes are incredible role models to those who will come after. We will have a look at a few of these amazing Olympians here and just some of the things that they are doing.
Dame Katherine Grainger
After winning gold in rowing at the London 2012 games Dame Katherine Grainger has continued to play a huge role in inspiring people and has been out talent spotting, trying to locate future gold medallists. She has risen to a great position to do this as Chair of UK Sport, and many other former Olympians have joined in to campaign to find others like them and give them the chance to shine. While the Olympics are of course a goal for any athlete at the top of their game, Grainger also tells of the benefits for young people everywhere to take chances, try out new things and reach for the stars even if all won’t be stood on a podium one day, though we may well see some winners come out of campaigns like this.
Kadeena Cox
Coming to the attention of the sporting community in 2014, Kadeena Cox went on to win Paralympic golds in both sprinting and cycling just two years later. She has also put herself out there as an inspiration and role model for young people, becoming an ambassador to help future athletes to reach their potential as well.
Emma McKeon
After taking the stage at the Tokyo Olympics to win 4 golds, Emma McKeon is now Australia’s top Olympian. With a total of 11 medals she is a true inspiration to any young girl who is told that she isn’t as good as anyone else, and is tied for the most gold medals of any Australian with Ian Thorpe. She sets a shining example for what can be achieved with hard work and dedication.
Simone Biles
Holding seven Olympic medals and 32 when you include the World Championships, Simone Biles is one of the most decorated gymnasts of all time. However, she surprised many when she withdrew from the Tokyo games in 2021 due to mental health issues. This brought into the open many more conversations about what it really means to be a role model, an inspiration and even strong. Biles put herself out there to the scrutiny of the world, and as such belongs on this list not only for her huge successes but also for being brave enough to admit when she needed to step back.
There are so many incredible female Olympians out there working hard to find, support and inspire a whole world of young women to follow in their footsteps, far too many to list here. So to all of you out there, keep doing what you are doing and remember how much of a difference one person can make.
