Throughout a constant battle for gender equality, female athletes have left their legacy in the world of sports and continue to serve as role models for young girls and their aspirations. Research shows that females who play sports have higher levels of confidence and self esteem and lower levels of depression. Additionally, females who play sports from childhood to adulthood have a more positive body image and experience higher states of psychological well being than those who do not play sports. They have tackled all arenas, from the Olympics to National Championships, and these women have proven that they are the best of the best.
Here are some inspiring words from some of the world’s greatest female athletes:
Misty May Treanor on finding your calling: “You have to enjoy what you’re doing in order to be successful.”
Lisa Leslie on leadership: “Well, the first quality of being a good leader is you have to be able to follow. See, a good leader can’t just be the leader all the time, I have to be able to follow.”
Megan Rapinoe’s quote on standing up for your beliefs: “Putting yourself out there is hard, but it’s so worth it. I don’t think anyone who has ever spoken out, or stood up or had a brave moment, has regretted it. It’s empowering and confidence-building and inspiring. Not only to other people, but to yourself.”
Missy Franklin on discipline and dedication: “Sometimes we complain, but there is something beautiful about waking up before everyone to get better at what we love.”
Serena Williams on dealing with losses: “I really think a champion is defined not by their wins but by how they can recover when they fall.”
Simone Biles on being brave: “I’d rather regret the risk that didn’t work out than the chances I didn’t take at all.”
Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce on pushing past obstacles and barriers to success: “No matter where you come from, we all share the same struggles as human beings, and my beginning is no different.”
Ronda Rousey‘s quote on defending yourself and others: “You have to fight because you can’t count on anyone else fighting for you. And you have to fight for people who can’t fight for themselves. To get anything of real value, you have to fight for it.”
Kristi Yamaguchi on self-improvement and self-awareness: “An athlete gains so much knowledge by just participating in a sport. Focus, discipline, hard work, goal setting and, of course, the thrill of finally achieving your goals. These are all lessons in life.”
Lindsey Vonn on living your life to the fullest: “If you go around being afraid, you’re never going to enjoy life. You have only one chance, so you’ve got to have fun.”
Enjoying these quotes from legendary female athletes? Check out these legendary male athlete quotes!
