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Articles on Female athletes

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Would people still call a women’s soccer match boring if they didn’t know the players’ genders? isitsharp/E+ via Getty Images

We blurred the gender of soccer players and had people rate their performances − with surprising results

A common criticism of women’s sports is that female players aren’t as entertaining or skilled as their male counterparts. Two researchers decided to put this notion to the test.
Spain’s Esther González holds the trophy celebrating at the end of the Women’s World Cup soccer final between Spain and England at Stadium Australia in Sydney, Australia, on Aug. 20, 2023. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

FIFA Women’s World Cup successes reflect gender gap differences between countries

By examining the FIFA Women’s World Cup performances, we can gain insights into the efforts countries are making to address gender inequality beyond sports.
Tourists walk past the Olympic rings in front of Paris City Hall with one year until the Paris 2024 Olympic Games opening ceremony, on July 26, 2023. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)

Gender inequality will still be an issue at the Paris 2024 Olympics — despite the Games being gender-balanced

The IOC needs to look beyond gender parity and work with international federations to address athletes’ conditions of participation in sports to achieve true gender equality.
When the energy consumed from food becomes insufficient to meet the demands of high physical activity levels, a state of imbalance occurs called low energy availability. (Shutterstock)

Running on empty: Female athletes’ health and performance at risk from not eating enough

Female athletes are at increased risk of not eating enough. If energy intake is too low to meet training needs, there can be severe consequences for exercise performance, muscles and health.
Canada forward Janine Beckie watches after attempting a shot during the first half of a SheBelieves Cup women’s soccer match against the United States, Feb. 16, 2023, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

Women’s World Cup: The epidemic of ACL tears in female soccer players is about more than just biology

Gender disparities in sport extend to injuries too. Female soccer players are at greater risk for ACL tears than males and it is clear immediate action is needed to address the non-biological factors for the injury.
American sprinter Allyson Felix celebrates with her daughter Camryn after finishing second in the women’s 400-metre race at the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials on June 20. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

The Tokyo Olympics will be the Games of all mothers

The Tokyo Games might be the most gender-equal games in history, but many competition barriers still exist for elite athletes who are mothers.
Naomi Osaka keeps her eye on the ball as she prepares to serve. Aurelien Morissard/Xinhua via Getty Images

Naomi Osaka’s withdrawal from the French Open highlights how prioritizing mental wellness goes against the rules, on the court and off

The high-profile athlete’s struggles raise questions about society’s views on mental health, as well as the effects of race, gender and fame on well-being.
These effects may have the greatest impact on elite athletes. Leonard Zhukovsky/ Shutterstock

How periods and the pill affect athletic performance

Some evidence shows that hormonal fluctuations throughout the menstrual cycle can both increase and decrease athletic performance.
Women in track and field must be involved in any planning around safety for all in the sport. (Shutterstock)

We must pay attention to Canada’s #MeToo moment in sports

There needs to be significant change in the administration of athletics programs. The global pause in sporting competitions is a unique opportunity to begin the urgent work of making it safe for women
Ju Wenjun, the reigning Women’s World Chess Champion, will defend her title against Aleksandra Goryachkina, of Russia this month. Photo from an earlier encounter in September 2019. David Llada

Why there’s a separate World Chess Championship for women

As the Women’s World Chess Championship takes place in China and Russia this month, Alexey Root, an expert on chess in education, weighs in on the benefits of having a separate championship for women.
The Toronto Furies huddle up before their match-up against crosstown rivals, the Markham Thunder. Photo Credit: Dave Holland

Women’s hockey has avid fans but needs a corporate cash infusion

Corporate brands have a potentially lucrative opportunity with women’s hockey. All they need to do is have a little imagination and take a chance on long-term potential.

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