Opinion: These positive female role models are likely to inspire a new generation of girls wanting to follow in the footsteps of the medalists
The European Championships have given us a glorious few days. Indeed, it is many years since we have seen so much Irish success at the athletics track. It is great to see the joy of the winning athletes in their post-run inteviews and this delight is also evident in their families and in the high spirits and confidence in the wider Irish camp and supporters in Rome. Long may it continue.
Sporting successes of this nature can also have ripple effects beyond family and friends. That sense that 'our team' has done well and that ‘we’ as a nation can be amongst the best in Europe (or the world) predictably enough increases sporting pride. Perhaps less predictably, success at sporting mega events can also improve spectators' psychological well-being.
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From RTÉ Radio 1's Morning Ireland, what's behind the current rise of Irish athletics?
There are other benefits too. First our athletes, both females and males, are really important role models for children and young people. Decades of research tell us you cannot be what you cannot see. This week, our athletes have certainly been seen and there is no doubt they will inspire a new generation of Olympic dreamers.
That so many of the athletes that have been successful in the last week are women is especially welcome. I say this for a couple of reasons. There are very many highly visible role models and sporting careers apparent for boys, but these are sometimes not as readily apparent or accessible to girls.
This new generation of positive female role models are likely to inspire a new generation of girls wanting to follow in the impressive footsteps (pun intended) of these medalists. There are very few other sports where we have mixed teams, where women and men are competing together side by side. Women and men’s races have equal status. This tells children who participate that boys and girls are to be valued in the sport equally, which is an important message for boys and girls to hear.
Newport during the closing lap pic.twitter.com/px4Q1wEmVh
— Conor Kane (@ConorKane0909) June 12, 2024
Winning European medals has really facilitated media coverage and the visibility of all athletes irrespective of gender. We have watched and supported our male and female athletes with equal gusto. It really is a tonic.
These wins are important. Studies of spectators of sporting mega events, such as World Cups or Euro soccer tournaments, has shown that heightened feelings of national identity and social cohesion ensue when people become emotionally engaged with the national team. That sense of collective belonging has the potential to highlight what we all share. Definitions of the national group become more inclusive and we value gender and ethnic diversity more fully in these times. It's another tonic for these times when we seem to spend so much time focusing on our differences.
There is another reason too these wins are important for girls and women. I am a long time recreational runner and am very aware of the risk many women face when they lace up their running shoes and head outdoors. This remains a key barrier to women's public participation in exercise and running. The fear and threat of male aggression and violence is far too commonplace for all runners, women and women of colour in particular.
From RTÉ Sport, a silver medal for Ireland's 4x400m women's relay team at the European Championships in Rome
I know my family and friends often think my commitment to running is a little strange. Over the years, I have been told running might not be advisable for women of childbearing age. I have been advised against running alone in the evenings and judged to be positively mad to be running when pregnant. All of us can't and won't be European champions, but we all need to exercise more so anything that popularises and normalises running as a sport for women is to be welcomed.
It's not just the new generation of elite athletes that will benefit from these wins. Girls and women are high risk for not meeting recommended weekly targets for exercise. Running is an accessible and low cost form of exercise so making participation normal and even desirable has the potential to facilitate women (and men) continuing to take part in exercise.
Participation also increases our interest in following the sport - and national sporting successes have the greatest mental health benefits for loyal supporters. Yes, imitation and adulation of our sporting heroes has important physical and mental health benefits for us all. Hurrah for that!
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The views expressed here are those of the author and do not represent or reflect the views of RTÉ
