“Although there are more and more opportunities for girls in sport, I think that there are a lot of things that we can be doing in order to promote sport more for girls and make it more accessible.”
March 8th is International Women’s Day and to celebrate we’re highlighting the importance of girls and women in sports. Participating in sports can have a major impact on the self-esteem, positive body image, and overall health of women of all ages. Women in sports have been fighting for years to make their presence known and voices heard around the world. While the power of female athletes is finally gaining recognition, we still have a long way to go. To help shed light on the importance of women in sports, we’ve invited Elite athlete Rebecca Mehra to share her voice on the impact sports can have on women and girls.
Rebecca is a professional runner for Oiselle and LittleWing Athletics, based in Seattle, WA. Ranked in the top 40 in the world, Rebecca was an Olympic Trials finalist in 2021 in the 1500 m, ran the 800 m and 1500 m at 6 US track and field championships, and has stood on the podium at major international events such as the 5th Avenue Mile.
Along with her impressive athletic career, she has a passion for public policy and helped run the election of the first-ever female mayor of Bend, OR. When she isn’t running on the track or running a campaign, she spreads the love of sports in her community by volunteering for the USATF Foundation and Bras for Girls, a non-profit organization that provides sports bras to middle and high-school-aged girls in need.
Nuun: What does being a female athlete mean to you?
RM: It’s the entirety of my identity. Sports have given me everything...but there is still a lot of room to grow and I'm glad to be a part of this movement of female sports on the up and up.
Can you share why you're so passionate about gender parity and sports?
There are more and more opportunities now for girls in sports, but still a lot of girls leave sports by the time they're in high school. I think that there are a lot of things that we can be doing in order to promote sport more for girls and make it more accessible.
What advice would you give to an everyday person on what they can do to help women in sports and amplify the importance of it for girls in their life?
If you're a parent, providing opportunities for your kid to explore different sports and be in that space. If you are someone who is higher up in a role, perhaps in a sporting organization, making room for women and minorities to have a space in the room, have a seat at the table.
What's next for you both in terms of competing like what you're looking forward to this year?
The pinnacle of this year will be racing through May and training for the Olympic Trials.
“Sports have shaped my life. They've shaped who I am. I wouldn’t be who I am without it.”
What’s your favorite flavor of Nuun and why?
Nuun Sport Strawberry Lemonade is my go-to every morning. Also, Nuun Rest as a tea at night.
Can you share a movement moment you’re proud of?
I have been lucky to have a lot. I think one in particular that you mentioned in my introduction was making the final at the 2021 Olympic Trials in the 1500. I'd actually broken my ankle the October before and so being able to walk out in the magic of Hayward Field and really give myself a shot to make the Olympic team and to be very close to doing so was really special and something I'll never forget.
Has there ever been an instance where you've seen gender inequality in the world of sports?
Yeah, plenty unfortunately, despite saying that I'm in a sport that has a lot more parity, I'd say than others. First and foremost, it's how women's sports are covered. Female athletes just get less traditional news coverage. Then you can go on and on about how, especially in my sport, women’s uniforms look really different than men's uniforms. I think that they were originally designed to make people want to turn on the TV and watch women because we're running in, like, bikinis and underwear essentially.
What are some of the most effective strategies for fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment for female athletes at all levels of the competition?
I think making room for female voices on all levels of the competition is how you do that. If you have a governing body of sport that's all men and you don't have female voices- well, how are you supposed to know what's best for women? I think having female coaches is really important. Also, making sure there's parity and access to girls’ and boys’ teams on every level- Youth, High school, college. It's just creating space for women's voices and being accepting of the fact that you have to listen and absorb what they’re saying.
Here at Nuun, we believe in the power of movement to change lives. Shop clean hydration here.
