Shawn Johnson, Gail Devers, Julie Foudy, and more share their words of wisdom on women’s equality.
Yesterday was Women’s Equality Day. And just after the Olympics, and in the middle of the Paralympics, we found ourselves reaching out to the female athletes we know to get their thoughts on what this day means to them. From Shawn Johnson to Gail Devers to Julie Foudy, these women shared words of wisdom on gender equality. And we’re sharing them with you now because we celebrate and push for gender parity every day.
Shawn Johnson
Olympic gold medalist in gymnastics, bestselling author, entrepreneur
Being a female athlete has been such a pivotal part of my life, so today I’m celebrating Women’s Equality Day for giving me the opportunity to follow my dreams. I hope this day can serve as a reminder to my daughter Drew and to young girls that anything is possible, and with hard work and dedication, no dreams are too big!
Gail Devers
Three-time Olympic gold medalist in track and field, Thorne spokesperson
We have no limits to our capabilities. We are dreamers, we are strong. The struggle is over for women to be recognized for our accomplishments. The time is now. Women should be allowed to live out and achieve whatever dreams and aspirations are important to them. Balance of the scales. No more gender roles or expectations. Payment based on performance. Gone are the days where woman are ”to know our roles or place”
Carla Williams
Former professional basketball player, director of athletics at University of Virginia
As one of only three black female Athletic Directors at this level, there are challenges that are unique to my gender and my race. Alone, I am weak. So, I draw strength from my daughters and every other woman of color who need examples, who need inspiration. They think I inspire them, but in reality, they inspire me. When I think about our village of strong, independent, smart, fiercely determined and incredibly gifted women, I gain strength that’s hard to measure.
Julie Foudy
Former captain of the U.S. women’s soccer team
As a female athlete you learn the power of representation. If you can see it, you can be it: In sports, in life, in having a voice. And we know this as a fact, when women are visible and equal participants, the world is a better place.
Victoria Garrick
Former Division I Volleyball Player, founder of The Hidden Opponent
For so long, we’ve been trained to believe that being a woman means being less than. Phrases like ‘you play like a girl’ used to be considered insults! It’s taken courage, strength, and some fierce trailblazers for us to step outside the box that society put us in and make an unwavering call for change. I’m grateful that this day recognizes and celebrates women in our fight for what’s always been ours. (Plus, I think we all wish we could play like Simone, Naomi, or Sue!)
