Trends: Women Olympians January 5, 2012My LifeOff

Looking for new inspiration in 2012? You may find it in unlikely places – like the boxing ring.

Turns out, women in sports use the same tactics to overcome barriers that women use to get to the C-suite.

With this year’s London Summer Olympics ushering in the first match including female boxers, women can finally compete in all the same sports as men. How else are we blazing trails?

“Women are increasingly involved with all sports, including those deemed extreme,” says American snowboarder Lindsey Jacobellis, silver medalist at the 2006 Winter Olympics in Women’s Snowboard Cross.

But they still have a ways to go. “There are countries where girls still aren’t allowed to [compete], and especially not with the boys,” says Katherine Reutter, Olympic silver and bronze medalist and four-time national champion for speed skating.

“Finding confidence is the biggest challenge I have had to face,” says Reutter. “Ups and downs in my training and performance can lead to feeling defeated. I think all women can relate to that.”

“Female Olympian experiences are similar to career women’s because there are few spots at the top for women,” adds Jacobellis. “Financial compensation is still lagging for career women – just like in most sports.” These setbacks make athletes like Jacobellis even more determined to get to the top.

Former Olympic alpine skier Penny Pitou was the first U.S. skier to win a medal in the downhill event. After successfully applying the skills she learned in sports to business, she now runs a successful international travel agency.

Bonus PINK Link: Learn more about what career women have in common with  professional athletes.

By Christine Kim

“Hard work has made it easy. That is my secret. That is why I win.”
Nadia Comaneci

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