Governing Bodies Urged to Address Gender Gap in Sport Science

There is a growing awareness of the gender gap in sport science, and it is clear that there is much work to be done. While the gap may seem insurmountable, we cannot simply dismiss it. By increasing discussion, securing more funding, and investing in this area, we can make strides in closing the gap, which is crucial.

During my time as a competitive athlete, I never felt like the training programs were tailored specifically to me as a female athlete. The occasional mention of my menstrual cycle was about as individualized as it got. The approach to training seemed generic, as if it applied equally to men and women.

Only after retiring did I begin to question the origins and validity of the research that informed my training. As a competing athlete, I never had a deep understanding of where the research came from or how it was compiled.

In order to prepare for important events like the Olympics or World Championships, athletes must adhere to a strict schedule. However, it’s important for coaches to take into account the hormonal fluctuations and changes that female athletes experience. These factors influence how hard an athlete should push themselves and when they should ease back during different phases of training. Ignoring these factors can contribute to injuries and hinder performance. Many female athletes may look back and wonder if they could have trained more effectively by considering their menstrual cycles and other stages of life.

We need to broaden our perspective and delve deeper into these topics. It’s encouraging to see more female athletes speaking out about issues like anterior cruciate ligament injuries and endometriosis. By normalizing conversations on these topics, athletes will feel more comfortable discussing them. They also need to know that they have access to resources that can help them better understand and support their unique needs.

Pregnancy is another aspect that requires attention. With more sportswomen starting families, there needs to be a system in place to support them during this transition. As someone who went through pregnancy and postnatal recovery, I had to come to terms with the fact that my body and physiology had changed. I had to seek out information and educate myself because my team, though amazing, had never navigated the return of an athlete after pregnancy. There was no established guidance, so they had to expand their knowledge. Understanding how hormonal fluctuations affect performance, from ligaments to speed and endurance, is crucial. We must strive to better understand these factors to address issues like ACL injuries and endometriosis, which affect many women in their daily lives and sports careers.

When I embarked on developing my app, which helps women understand their hormones, I was amazed by the lack of research focused specifically on women’s health. Similar inconsistencies exist in the field of sports science. Not enough research is being conducted to comprehend the impact that certain factors, such as physiology and individual makeup, have on female athletes. It’s clear that we need to allocate more funding and support to these areas.

One of the reasons for the lack of research is that women are complex beings with various changes and fluctuations throughout their lives, including pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopause. Conducting comprehensive research takes time, energy, and substantial funding. It cannot be rushed or completed overnight. Ample data must be collected and analyzed to truly understand women and their health needs.

We should explore how digital solutions can support women in gaining a better understanding of their health. Femtech, including sophisticated and specialized tools, can empower women to have a more in-depth understanding of their physiology. In the past, women’s needs have been overlooked, and the assumption has been that they can simply follow a path designed for men.

While it’s commendable that academics are conducting research on women in sport, sports organizations and governing bodies should also take responsibility. We focus on nutrition, psychology, and other aspects, but can we honestly say that we offer comprehensive support programs tailored specifically to female athletes? Collecting information and data on athletes over a long period of time is invaluable and will greatly benefit future generations of girls entering sports.

To begin bridging this knowledge gap, athletes need to be educated about their bodies. They also require the support of sports federations, governing bodies, and investors. It is a complex process, but if we persist and approach it in a thorough manner, the impact will be significant and will create a norm where young girls are equipped with a better understanding of their physiology. This will lay the groundwork for a future where boys and girls in sport are equally supported and researched thoroughly. Let’s work together to close this gap.