Although the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympic Games did not proceed as originally intended, they still proved to be worthy of watching despite them being rescheduled for the following year. This time women were leading the conversation with various important discussions about prevalent issues while setting Olympic world records. Here are some of the many outstanding women that shook the Olympic floor with their athletic artistry and wonderful humanity.
- Jasmine Camacho-Quinn
After setting an Olympic world record in the Women’s 100-meter hurdles semifinals, a feat that the athlete did not know could be done, Jasmine Camacho-Quinn won the Puerto Rican delegation its second Olympic gold medal of all time, making history in the process. Camacho-Quinn’s win and world record became an incredible story of perseverance and strength after failing to qualify for the 100-meter at 2016’s Rio Olympics. This, however, did not stop her. Jasmine Camacho-Quinn was beaming, gold medal in hand, stating that what made her most happy was the fact that she could be the person to give hope to the kids in her small country. There is no doubt that this irrepressible woman has done just that: given hope and proved that no matter the setbacks, through hard work and perseverance, your dreams are always achievable.
- Simone Biles
The most decorated gymnast in the world, Simone Biles, has sent an extremely important message at this year’s Tokyo Olympics: Mental health comes first! Biles withdrew from the gymnastic Women’s team finals as well as the individual all-around finals to prioritize her mental health. This occurred after Biles experienced “twisties,” a feeling of dissociation in the middle of performing a skill (like flipping your whole body 3 times in the air) which can lead to serious injury. The athlete expressed through her social media, “I don’t think you realize how dangerous this is.” Biles’ decision sparked a worldwide conversation on how mental health affects an athlete’s performance and, as she describes, how horrible it is to not have your body and mind in sync. Although there were many naysayers and protesters, the majority of the public was in support and admiration of Simone Biles. After some days of well-deserved rest, Biles returned clear-minded and with high spirits for the balance beam final and proceeded to win bronze. Simone Biles has emphasized at an international level that mental and physical health go hand in hand and both are needed to perform any task well. She has undoubtedly proven to be an amazing role model for people everywhere. Biles herself said it best, “My mental and physical health is better than any medal.”
- Germany gymnastics team
Germany’s gymnastics team took the Olympic games as a protesting ground against the sexualization of female bodies in sports by switching out the typical bikini-cut leotards for a more comfortable full-length unitard. The team, consisting of Sarah Voss, Pauline Schäfer, Elisabeth Seitz, and Kim Bui, wanted to acknowledge the hardships of accommodating and learning to love your body the way it is. The Olympians also made clear that a person’s comfort should always be the priority. Elisabeth Seitz stated, “I want every woman in every sport to have the opportunity to decide by herself what she wants to wear.” Being the first Olympic Summer Games since the arrest of US coach Larry Nassar, who sexually abused hundreds of gymnastic athletes, this act of protest demands to create a safe and respectful environment in this well-loved sport.
- Laurel Hubbard
New Zealander Laurel Hubbard became the first-ever openly transgender person to compete in the Olympic Games. Hubbard competed in the Women’s +87 kg Weightlifting category. Although she struggled and eventually qualified as a no lift, the weightlifter still felt proud of the work she had done. She repeatedly expressed her gratitude towards her country’s Olympic team and the International Weightlifting Federation (IOC). Feeling thankful, the Olympian said, “I think that (this) sport is something that all people around the world can do. It’s inclusive. It’s accessible.” Laurel Hubbard joins non-binary Canadian soccer player Quinn- who goes by the one name and came out as a part of the transgender community last year- as part of transgender representation in the Olympic games. Hubbard, who was a rising star in men’s weightlifting, quit the sport because she struggled with “the pressure of trying to fit into a world that perhaps wasn’t really set up for people like myself.” Nevertheless, she persisted and returned to do the thing she loved most. By simply being the beautiful and strong woman she is, Laurel Hubbard has been a big contributor to creating immense visibility for the Trans and LGBTQ+ in sports.
From world-record setters to health advocates, these trailblazing women have pushed themselves to the forefront. They have shown the world that even amidst adversity and struggles, one can still persevere. By showing that winning is not everything, they’ve won the admiration and respect from not only the sports community, but the entire world. Keep an eye out for these role models, for they’ve only just begun!