Kristen Brennand

It is Not About the Numbers

Six out of the seven days of the week I wake up every morning before the sun to put a swimsuit on. And later, as the sun goes down, I put it on once more. Approximately twice a day, 12 times a week, 48 times a month, and 576 times a year, my teammates and I have the chance to look in the locker room mirror and silently criticize ourselves. Sure, we’re (proudly) tanner than most of our friends, but it’s very hard not to go a little bit, or extremely, insane. When self-criticism is unhealthy just the first time you do it, doing a full-body scan at least 575 more times a year is emotionally and physically detrimental. One thing that might be worse than staring in a mirror is comparing yourself to the next woman who walks by.

Her legs are so skinny. Her shoulders are so slim. Her body is so feminine. And I should have reconsidered being a college athlete.  

As of recent, positive body image has become a widely popular topic to promote and fight for. Many of the pro body image ideas that people have put into action have been truly amazing in helping girls and women feel not just okay, but genuinely happy with who they are and what they look like. But honestly, there’s something missing. It’s not always all about loving your curves and being okay with not having that ever- so- desirable “thigh gap.” There’s something more. Something that, yes, has been mentioned, but mildly so.

Not all women think that they are fat and want to look skinny. There is much more to positive body image than the numbers on the scale.

There are so many body types in between that deserve equal recognition and celebration. In fact, often times, those of us who are in the best physically fit shape that others would do anything for are the unhappiest. I’m talking about us athletes. Considering the at least 20 hours a week that we are required to work out, most of us are certainly not overweight. And still, a lot of us are certainly not happy. In fact, according to nationaleatingdisorders.org, over one-third of NCAA Division I athletes have reported symptoms and attitudes that reflect eating disorders. And that is only a study of one NCAA athletic division.

However, there is hope. There is one network that works to glorify the bodies of athletic women (and men). ESPN’s annual body issue is one of the only magazines that represents women and their bodies in a way that should be celebrated, not scandalized. This magazine highlights the incredible physical strength that many women have in a way that does not over-sexualize them. In fact, the professional athletes chosen for this spread are often directed to model for the photos in positions that imitate their body during the sport that they play. Yes, the athletes are 100% nude. However, it is nonetheless very refreshing to see a magazine spread that praises women for looking nothing like the skinny, muscle-less, “more feminine” models that we are normally exposed to. Of course, this is not to discourage anybody from being happy with whatever body type they have, but the images we see everyday are impossible for most people to achieve. This is solely a reminder that there are too many female athletes who are criticized (by both themselves and others) for their strong and muscular bodies that don’t mirror the fragility of the average model’s body. Because of its celebration of different body types, ESPN’s annual body issue is something that not only women, but other media outlets should be inspired and influenced by. No athlete should have to feel insecure and weak just because their bodies are so strong.