What the Women’s World Cup Can Teach Us About Healthy Inspiration
The U.S. Women's National Soccer Team wrote yet another inspiring chapter
in its rich and illustrious history with their recent World Cup win, and
once again, soccer fever has swept the nation. They shattered soccer stats
by breaking their own team's records and newly set a scoring record
for most goals ever in a Women's World Cup tournament. Perhaps most
importantly however; these 23 young women have also become examples of
the ultimate role models for kids and adults alike.
The benefits of participation in sports begin early. Research links involvement
in athletics to higher self-esteem, improved body image, and even stronger
friendships for girls. Female athletes also transform traditional gender
norms by serving as role models for both girls and boys. As a physician
who cares for elite athletes worldwide, I have seen firsthand that a healthy,
athletic role model can help redefine cultural standards, especially for
kids. It is a stark contrast to a world that's increasingly influenced
by social media "celebrities" trying to sell our young people
a fantasy life. Instagram "influencers" and YouTube sensations
have monopolized our youth's attention, and they're hawking a
never-ending slew of products and services that cater to physical appearance.
They're "holy grail" promise is that the more physically
attractive you are, the happier and more confident you'll be.
But the young women of the U.S. soccer team are redefining what a role
model is. These amazing athletes are getting people motivated about playing
sports and engaging in physical fitness. They're demonstrating resilience
to keep trying until you succeed, and confidence to believe that you are
capable of anything you desire for your life. Seeing the discipline these
women had and the joy they felt upon accomplishing their goal pulls at
anyone's heartstrings, soccer player or not.
It's clear these women are athletic champions, but that is not what
makes them ultimate role models. They are normal women that faced many
of the same challenges our youth and adults encounter in their lives.
These are challenges that can cause anyone to question their capacity
for success. Watching these soccer stars continue to push until they beat
the odds against them is what defines them as role models. For example,
Alex Morgan was told by her club coach that she would only be a practice
player. She initially earned a place on the national team only because
another player dropped out. Jessica McDonald, at 31 years old, has gone
through all of the same physical and emotional struggles of professional
sports as her teammates. However, she is the only mother on the team and
is simultaneously caring for a 7-year-old son. The goals scored by the
U.S. Women's Team in the winning game represented the oldest (Rapinoe)
and the second-youngest (Lavelle) players to score in a World Cup final.
Carli Lloyd entered the game in the second half at 36 years of age.
How many of our youth feel like they aren't good enough to play at
the next level? How many are moms, or feel like they have gotten too old
to accomplish their goals? The U.S. Women's National Team showed them
all that it's possible.
The takeaway? Nothing is impossible – for anybody, at any age, under
any circumstances. The women of the U.S. Soccer Team are relatable and
inspiring not just for kids, but for adults as well. It's refreshing
to witness women in the national spotlight who are active, physically
fit, and take care of their bodies through exercise and nutrition. These
are, after all, the keys to long-term happiness and health in any of our
lives. Pushing your body and mind past the point where you believed it
was capable comes with exponentially greater reward and belief in yourself
than anything else can bring. Perhaps the most inspiring takeaway is that
you don't have to be an athlete to be inspired by these women. The
characteristics they exude are part of the recipe for success in any career,
school program, or personal life. It's all about being yourself, speaking
your mind, and continually pushing yourself to be and do better, even
when it feels like the odds are against you. The women of the U.S. National
Team have battled their way through the 2019 World Cup with discipline
and relentless effort. They're striving for personal greatness and
along the way sparking excitement and confidence for their nation, their
fans, children, and adults all over the world.
Sources:
http://www.espn.com/espnw/sports/article/22968430/study-shows-positive-correlation-playing-sports-better-self-image-girls
https://www.sportanddev.org/en/learn-more/gender/role-sport-addressing-gender-issues-0