Youth Inc. Recommends: Ways to Support Positive Body Image in Female Athletes

For female athletes, how they feel about their bodies can impact far more than confidence—it can affect performance, mental health, and their long-term relationship with sports. As girls grow and change, they're navigating not just the physical demands of training, but also the pressure of unrealistic body standards from social media, peers, and even within their sport. Negative body image can lead to disordered eating, burnout, and early dropout. But when athletes are supported in embracing strength, fueling properly, and seeing their bodies as powerful—not something to shrink or “fix”—they thrive. 

Here are a few resources to help athletes, parents, and coaches build a healthier, more empowering approach to body image in sports: 

Gracie Gold on Body Image, Perfection, and the Cost of Not Feeling Good Enough 

What it is: Olympic figure skater Gracie Gold opens up about the eating disorder, anxiety, and body image struggles she faced while trying to live up to an unrealistic standard of perfection in her sport. 

Why we like it: This is a powerful reminder of what’s at stake when performance and appearance get tangled. Gracie’s story shows how dangerous it can be when athletes feel like their bodies aren’t good enough—and why body positivity in sports isn’t just helpful, it’s essential. 

The Hidden Struggles of Body Image for Female Athletes 

What it is: A powerful article that shares real stories from young female athletes grappling with body image pressures in sports. It highlights how comments from coaches, peers, and even parents can lead to harmful behaviors like restrictive eating and overtraining.

Why we like it: This piece brings to light the often-overlooked mental and physical toll of body image expectations on female athletes. It emphasizes the importance of fostering a supportive environment that prioritizes health and self-worth over appearance.​ 

This Talk Will Change How You Think About Body Image and Female Athletes 

What it is: A compelling TEDx talk by Dr. Lindsay Kite, co-founder of the nonprofit Beauty Redefined.  She challenges the conventional notions of body positivity, emphasizing that true empowerment comes from focusing on what our bodies can do rather than how they look 

Why we like it: Dr. Kite's message is especially relevant for female athletes, who often face immense pressure to conform to specific body standards. Her insights encourage a shift from self-objectification to self-compassion, promoting a healthier and more sustainable approach to body image.​ 

More than 60% of Female Athletes Struggle with Body Image  

What it is: A data-driven article that explores the widespread and often hidden body image crisis among female athletes. It shares research, personal stories, and expert insights into how pressures around appearance—not just performance—are impacting girls in sports at every level. 

Why we like it: This piece is packed with useful stats and perspective, making the case that body image isn’t a side issue—it’s central to athlete health and development. It also gives coaches, parents, and leaders tangible ways to create safer, more supportive environments where girls can feel strong, not scrutinized.