"Every individual should have the freedom to make choices about their body and appearance, as long as it makes them happy. What others think shouldn't matter." Fran Kirby exudes confidence when discussing body image in women's sports, but her journey to self-acceptance hasn't been easy.
As a key player in England's 2022 European Championship victory and a seasoned advocate for mental health awareness, Kirby has also been open about the impact of social media scrutiny on her body type throughout her career. Now, at 32 and a senior player at Brighton, Kirby uses her experience to support younger players and promote body positivity.
"I'm happy to initiate conversations that help everyone feel confident and safe in their environment," Kirby told Sky Sports. Her comments come at a time when the media's responsibility in shaping body image perceptions is under scrutiny.
Kirby believes the media should be more mindful of the images they choose and the potential harm they can cause. "Not everyone looks the same, and that's okay. I might do the same workouts as someone else, but we'll have different body types," she said.
Rugby star Ilona Maher has also been at the forefront of tackling body image stigma in women's sports. With 5.4 million Instagram followers, Maher has shared her own struggles with body insecurities, including a recent incident where she was made to feel self-conscious about her shoulders. "I love my shoulders, and I love myself, but it's normal to have negative thoughts sometimes.
I combat them by talking to my family and friends, working out, or looking at positive images of myself," Maher said. Tennis superstar Aryna Sabalenka has also faced criticism for her social media presence, but she uses the platform to show her authentic self and connect with fans. However, she recently expressed frustration with the online toxicity she faces.
The impact of body image concerns on young girls pursuing sports careers is a pressing issue. Kirby hopes that by promoting open conversations and education about nutrition, young athletes can focus on their performance rather than their appearance.
The Women's Super League has developed guidance on female-focused fuelling for female athletes, emphasizing the importance of nutrition in enhancing performance. "We want to empower players and club practitioners to feel confident in understanding the role of nutrition and how it can improve their game," said Andy Hudson, Head of Performance Support for WSL. As the women's game continues to grow, it's essential to prioritize the well-being and confidence of female athletes, ensuring they can perform at their best without the burden of body image pressures.