Too Pretty to Play? Why Female Athletes Struggle to Be Taken Seriously on Social Media

The Price of Being Beautiful: How Beauty Impedes the Careers of These 23 Female Athletes

Let's be real, being a female athlete is tough. Not only do they have to train hard and compete against top-notch competitors, but they also have to deal with gender stereotypes that dictate what is considered "attractive" for women. It's like they're expected to be superhuman - beautiful and athletic at the same time. And where do these stereotypes thrive the most? You guessed it, social media!

But here's the thing: these stereotypes are not just unfair, they're downright harmful. They send a message that women can't have it all, that they must choose between their looks and their accomplishments. And it's not just the athletes who suffer, young girls who look up to them can also feel discouraged and feel like they have to pick one or the other.

In this article, we're shining a spotlight on 23 incredible female athletes who have faced criticism for their looks rather than their athletic abilities. Take Paige Spiranac for example, a golf star who became an online influencer because of her looks. She's so beautiful, the LPGA felt compelled to introduce a new dress code to make players less sexy. And if players break the code, they could face a hefty fine starting at $1,000 that doubles with each offense. Talk about extreme measures!

But there are also athletes who use their beauty and sexuality to their advantage - to speak out on important issues or gain more followers. Some even use it as a side business… It's a complex world out there, and we're diving into it headfirst to show you the good, the bad, and the ugly. Keep reading to see our list of stunning female athletes and the high price they pay for it.

Anastasia Ashley

Anastasia Ashley is a professional surfer and model who has spoken out about the importance of empowering female athletes and not judging them based on their appearance. Since she is a professional surfer AND model, she often got judged because people thought female athletes couldn’t be posing in a sexy way or wearing makeup. She believes that female athletes should be free to express themselves through fashion and makeup without facing criticism or negative judgment.

Ashley has pointed out that there is a double standard in the sports world when it comes to the appearance of female athletes. Male athletes are often praised for their physique and good looks, while female athletes are often criticized for the same reasons. This can be especially damaging when it comes to sports where appearance is important, such as gymnastics or figure skating.

 

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Een bericht gedeeld door Anastasia Ashley (@anastasiaashley)

Ashley has also noted that the pressure to conform to traditional feminine beauty standards can be detrimental to female athletes' performance. When female athletes are criticized for wearing makeup or dressing in a certain way, it can cause them to doubt themselves and affect their confidence on the field or in competition.

Overall, Ashley believes that it's important to empower female athletes to be themselves and to celebrate their achievements regardless of their appearance. She hopes to see a world where female athletes are judged based on their skills and accomplishments rather than their looks.

Michelle Jenneke

Michelle Jenneke, an Australian hurdler and model, has gained a massive following on social media, not necessarily due to her athletic performances but because of a video that went viral in 2012. People all over the internet were hyping about her dance and sharing it online. In the video she is doing a pre-race warm-up dance, which has become her signature routine. However, Jenneke wants to be recognized for more than just her signature routine, as it serves as a vital part of her mental and physical preparation for a race.

 

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Een bericht gedeeld door Michelle Jenneke (@mjenneke93)

Jenneke has expressed disappointment in the way female athletes are treated in the media, as they are often quickly built up and then just as quickly torn down. Despite the attention on her dance routine, Jenneke's athleticism should not be overlooked. She placed sixth in her 100m hurdle heat at the 2016 Rio Olympics, proving that she's much more than just a viral video.

Sydney Leroux

Sydney Leroux is the ultimate soccer babe who knows how to score on and off the field. She's a professional soccer player who's not afraid to use her looks and her massive social media following for good. Born in Canada and raised in the US, Sydney was playing baseball from an early age, and it was clear from the start that she had a natural talent for sports. Leroux excelled in soccer and track at Johnston Heights Secondary School, winning Provincials and leading her team in scoring.

She's played for top club teams like the Seattle Sounders Women and the Boston Breakers, as well as for the US Women's National Team, where she helped bring home the gold in the 2012 Olympics. But Sydney's not just a powerhouse on the pitch; she's also a social media queen with over a million Instagram followers. And she's using her influence to speak out on important issues like equality and mental health.

 

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Een bericht gedeeld door Sydney Leroux (@sydneyleroux)

In a recent post on her Instagram, she highlights the fact that only 5% of sport coverage features female athletes. She states: “For too long, women have been overlooked and under-supported. In a world where only 5% of all sports coverage features female athletes, it’s time that we re-evaluate who we highlight”.

Sydney is a true role model for young girls who dream of becoming athletes, and she's a living example that hard work and dedication pay off. With her killer moves and killer looks, she's taking the soccer world by storm and inspiring fans all over the globe. You go girl! 

Paige VanZant

The issue of female athletes facing mental and societal pressures in sports is gaining widespread recognition. Paige VanZant, a well-known MMA fighter and social media influencer, is a poignant example of this phenomenon. After losing two fights in Bare Knuckle FC, she openly spoke about her mental health issues. In a candid YouTube vlog, she revealed that she left the ring and sobbed alone in the parking lot, confiding in her husband that she no longer wanted to live. Despite her struggles, VanZant is committed to prioritizing her mental health and encourages others to do the same.

 

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Een bericht gedeeld door Paige VanZant (@paigevanzant)

VanZant recently signed a lucrative four-fight deal worth over $1 million and has a massive following on social media, having appeared on reality TV shows like Dancing with the Stars and Chopped. While some female athletes may feel judged and sexualized based on their appearance, VanZant embraces her image and has pushed boundaries by posting revealing photos of herself on Instagram. She recently announced the launch of her OnlyFans account, which provides exclusive content and training videos. VanZant sees OnlyFans as a platform that is becoming more accepted and is no longer solely the domain of porn stars. Despite her commitment to training hard and achieving peak physical fitness, she recognizes that her subscribers may not be solely interested in her training videos.

Camila Giorgi

Camila Giorgi, born on December 30, 1991, in Macerata, Italy, is an Italian professional tennis player who comes from a family of tennis players. Her father is her coach, and she turned pro in 2006 at the young age of 14. Throughout her career, Giorgi has had some remarkable victories, including defeating Maria Sharapova at the 2014 Indian Wells Masters and reaching the quarterfinals of Wimbledon in 2018.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Giorgi has represented Italy in Fed Cup competitions and was part of the Italian team that reached the final in 2013. She achieved her career-high singles ranking of No. 26 in July 2018.

 

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Een bericht gedeeld door 🎀 𝓒𝓪𝓶𝓲𝓵𝓪 𝓖𝓲𝓸𝓻𝓰𝓲 🎀 (@camila_giorgi_official)

However, Giorgi has recently been subjected to criticism due to her decision to share some racy lingerie snaps on Instagram. Sexist trolls have been commenting nasty things under her photos, causing controversy among her fans and critics. Some have accused her of looking like an "adult entertainer" rather than an athlete, and her decision to share these photos has led some to question whether she is still pursuing her tennis career.

This issue highlights the larger problem of the double standard that female athletes face, where they are judged not just on their athletic performance but also on their appearance and behavior off the court. It is unfair that female athletes like Giorgi are subjected to this kind of scrutiny and criticism, and it is important to remember that their worth as athletes should not be tied to their looks or social media activity.

Serena Williams

Another example of female athletes who have been judged and criticized for their looks is that of tennis superstar Serena Williams. She is an accomplished tennis player with four Olympic gold medals and more Grand Slam titles than any other player. Sadly, she has been constantly criticized for her muscular physique, which is seen as deviating from traditional beauty standards. Despite her impressive record of 23 Grand Slam titles, Williams has faced numerous instances of body-shaming and criticism of her appearance in the media and on social media.

 

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Een bericht gedeeld door Serena Williams (@serenawilliams)

These examples illustrate the ways in which female athletes are subjected to double standards when it comes to their appearance and their athletic ability. While male athletes are celebrated for their strength and physicality, female athletes are often judged and scrutinized for their looks, and are expected to conform to narrow and unrealistic beauty standards.

Camille Leblanc Bazinet

There was a time when women were expected to be as skinny as possible to fit into society's narrow beauty standards. But then CrossFit came along and turned that idea on its head. Suddenly, strong became the new skinny, and women everywhere were embracing the idea that muscles and definition were the new ideal. Athletes like Annie Thorisdottir, Heather Bergeron, and Miranda Oldroyd emerged as role models for women who wanted to be fit, healthy, and strong. These women were no longer interested in being waifish and gaunt; they wanted to be powerful, confident, and packed.

But perhaps the most inspiring of these CrossFit chicks was Camille Leblanc-Bazinet. Not only was she incredibly strong, but she looked real. She didn't have every last vein in her arms, abs, and traps showing like some of the other athletes; she had the build of someone who was interested in performance over aesthetics. She was strong, confident, and normal.

Camille, a Canadian CrossFit athlete and fitness model, gained worldwide recognition after winning the 2014 CrossFit Games. She began her athletic career as a gymnast and continued competing in track and field, pole vaulting, and weightlifting. Off the field, she is also a licensed chiropractor and works with clients to improve their physical health and performance. She inspired and motivated many women around the world to pursue their fitness goals and live a healthy lifestyle.

 

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Een bericht gedeeld door Camille Leblanc-Bazinet (@camillelbaz)

So when The Box magazine published a highly Photoshopped cover photo of Camille that made her look like a flawless, airbrushed model, the CrossFit community was outraged. People accused the magazine of manipulating her body to fit into their narrow standards of beauty.

The magazine offered a half-hearted apology, but the damage was done. Camille had inadvertently sent a message to young women everywhere that being skinny was still the ultimate goal. She missed a perfect opportunity to show that strength and realness are what truly make a woman beautiful. In the end, the lesson is clear: strong is the new skinny, but realness is even better. Embrace your strength and your flaws, and inspire others to do the same.

Lieke Klaver

Lieke Klaver is the perfect example of a female athlete who became trending on social media because of her looks. Lieke Klaver may not have won a medal at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, but she still managed to leave her mark on social media. Thanks to her stunning looks and impressive performances on the track, Klaver has become a trending topic on TikTok. Users are gushing over her and even jokingly declaring their plans to move to the Netherlands. All the attention has led to a significant boost in her social media following. Klaver arrived in Tokyo with 275,000 Instagram followers and left with close to 500,000. 

 

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Een bericht gedeeld door Lieke Klaver | Olympian (@liekeklaver)

Klaver specializes in sprint races and trains nine times a week, with Sunday being her rest day. Her Instagram page is filled with fitness posts and workout videos, but she also enjoys spending time with family and friends and hitting the beach. Maybe it's time for her to take the plunge and create a TikTok account. With all the attention she's been getting, it's sure to be a hit.

Sania Mirza

Sania Mirza, the most accomplished Indian tennis player, who has clinched six Grand Slam doubles titles, played her final professional match at the WTA Dubai Duty Free Championships. Mirza's journey is unique as she broke into the professional sports industry despite facing numerous challenges. Born in 1986 and raised in Hyderabad, she was introduced to tennis at the tender age of six, on courts with uneven surfaces made of cow dung. Sania's career symbolizes not just tennis, but also women's sports in India. She confronted backlash for her choices both on and off the court, but those criticisms only served to make her stronger. As a result, she transformed into a South Asian icon instead of merely an Indian one.

 

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Een bericht gedeeld door Sania Mirza (@mirzasaniar)

In contemporary times, Sania is amongst the highest earners of social media in women's sports. Social media platforms have provided billions of sports enthusiasts worldwide with the opportunity to actively engage with their favorite athletes, many of whom are top-tier performers. By capitalizing on the influence of social media, athletes such as Sania can transform into superstars, amassing millions of followers and securing lucrative endorsement deals. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that Sania is one of the most lucrative earners in women's sports, boasting a colossal and dedicated fanbase. According to estimates, she makes approximately €9.1 million dollars through Twitter, €14 million through Facebook, and €6.2 million dollars through Instagram.

Eugenie Bouchard

Game, set, match - it's Eugenie Bouchard! This Canadian tennis pro has served up some serious talent, climbing as high as seventh in the world rankings. Back in 2014, she became the darling of the tennis world, tearing it up on the courts of the Australian Open, French Open and even Wimbledon! 

But it wasn't all sunshine and rainbows for Genie - her career hit a rocky patch, and her ranking tumbled faster than a stray tennis ball off a roof. In the face of intense scrutiny and pressure, she developed an eating disorder, proving that even elite athletes aren't immune to the stresses of the game. 

 

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Een bericht gedeeld door Genie Bouchard (@geniebouchard)

Former Olympian and sports psychology consultant Penny Werthner says female athletes are held to a different standard than their male counterparts, often criticized for their appearance. Werthner believes the pressures to succeed in tennis, a solitary sport, can be especially hard, with the added pressures of courting sponsors and endorsement deals. Despite it all, Bouchard remains a force to be reckoned with in the sport, showing grit and determination that would make any true-blue Canadian proud!

Alysha Newman

Alysha Newman's road to becoming a pole vaulter for Team Canada was anything but straightforward. After retiring from gymnastics due to injury, she found her new passion in track and field, breaking records left and right. Her hard work paid off with a bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games and a gold medal four years later, along with setting the Commonwealth pole vault record.

Despite a knee injury in 2018, Newman bounced back in 2019, breaking her own Canadian record twice. In 2021, she's been back in action, aiming to break the five-meter barrier and win an Olympic medal.

 

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Een bericht gedeeld door 🇨🇦Alysha Newman Oly🇨🇦 (@alyshanewman)

But as a female athlete, Newman is no stranger to being objectified. She's been sexualized in the sport naturally, by what she wears and her beauty. However, she's decided to take control of the situation and join a subscription-based content platform. The platform allows her to connect with her true fans and share behind-the-scenes moments of her life without being exploited. And despite the platform's reputation for explicit content, Newman insists that she's "not naked" in any of her posts. Instead, she uses the platform to give fans an exclusive peek into her life and Olympic experiences.

After all, if the media is going to sexualize her, she might as well control the content and profit from it. And with her natural sales skills, Newman's already a pro at it. Who says you can't have it all?

Yuliya Levchenko

Yuliya Levchenko, born on December 28, 1997, is a Ukrainian high jumper who started her athletic career at a young age and quickly climbed the ranks, securing multiple medals at national and international competitions. She made a mark in 2016 by winning gold at the World Junior Championships and setting a new championship record with a jump of 1.94 meters.

Levchenko's impressive performances continued, winning silver at the 2017 European Indoor Championships and gold at the 2018 World Indoor Championships. She has also participated in the 2016 and 2020 Olympic Games, where she finished 11th in Rio and earned a bronze medal in Tokyo.

 

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Een bericht gedeeld door YULIIA LEVCHENKO (@levchenkou)

Outside of her athletic career, Levchenko is known for her love for fashion and modeling. She has strutted down the runway for several prominent fashion brands, partnered with big names like Richard Mille, and graced the pages of numerous fashion magazines.

However, don't let the glamor fool you. Balancing a professional athletic career and a modeling career is no easy feat. The demands of modeling can be draining, costing time and energy that could interfere with training schedules. But Levchenko manages to juggle both with poise and grace, showing that she truly has it all.

Alana Blanchard

The issues that female athletes face are multifaceted and pervasive. Alana Blanchard, a professional surfer, model, and actress from Hawaii, serves as a poignant example of how the very thing that should be celebrated most - her ability to bring a new life into this world - is turned against her. Blanchard is a well-rounded surfer, capable of seizing any opportunity in the barrel or off the lip, and has won heats and contests against the world's best.

However, when she announced her pregnancy, everything changed. Blanchard's long-term sponsor, Rip Curl, parted ways with her, allegedly because they were unhappy with her having a child, as per her tearful video statement. Blanchard had been surfing for Rip Curl since she was 14 and claimed that the company started treating her differently when she became pregnant with her son, Banks. Although the brand has denied Blanchard's claims and said they wanted to re-sign her, they could not agree on terms.

 

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Een bericht gedeeld door Alana Blanchard (@alanarblanchard)

Blanchard, who has a large following on social media platforms like Instagram and her own YouTube channel, has been struggling since the split. Her experience highlights the unfortunate reality that even successful female athletes face discrimination and adversity when it comes to motherhood and family planning, underscoring the need for more support and inclusivity in sports for women.

Jutta Leerdam

Jutta Leerdam is a Dutch speed skater who has gained attention for her athletic achievements on the ice. However, unfortunately, some media outlets have chosen to focus on her appearance rather than her athletic ability, sexualizing her in the process. In various media she is often called the ‘World’s hottest speed skater’ and a lot of sport blogs that are often focusing on men are sexualizing her content. The YouTube-channel FS United, mostly known for posting bloopers, posted a video of Jutta with a zipped open skating suit. The problem is that the channel edited her breasts and therefore they seem rather inflated as soon as she unzips her suit.

It's important to shift the focus back to the athlete's achievements and the hard work she put in to reach her goals, rather than reducing her to her looks. Jutta Leerdam deserves to be celebrated for her athletic accomplishments, not objectified for her appearance. Luckily not all media attention is negative or sexualized. Lately, Jutta is in the news a lot because of the things she stands for. The Dutch speed skater has been open about her struggles with her body and weight. 

 

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Een bericht gedeeld door Jutta Leerdam (@juttaleerdam)

She revealed in an interview with De Telegraaf that she started obsessively losing weight when she was 16 years old and it became a game for her. She realized that she was eating too little while training hard, leading to an unhealthy drop in her body fat percentage and physical consequences. Leerdam thought extreme weight loss would help her on the ice, but it was counterproductive, and she struggled with stress and weight gain in the winter season. She wants to spread awareness of the negative effects of not eating enough and the pressure on athletes to maintain a certain weight.

Allison Stokke

Imagine being a talented athlete with dreams of making it to the top of your sport, only to have your life turned upside down by a single photo. That's exactly what happened to Allison Stokke, a pole vaulter from California, who became an overnight sensation on the internet when a photo of her went viral. And while some people might have been thrilled to have their fifteen minutes of fame, for Allison, it was a nightmare come true.

You see, Allison had always been focused on her sport. She worked hard, practiced relentlessly, and set her sights on winning championships and setting records. And she was good - really good. But when that photo of her at a pole vaulting meet started making the rounds online, suddenly everyone was talking about her for all the wrong reasons.

But let's back up for a moment. Before the photo, Allison was already a rising star in the world of pole vaulting. She had set records, won championships, and was well on her way to achieving her goals. But after the photo went viral, everything changed. Suddenly, she was famous - but not for her athletic abilities. Instead, she was the subject of misogyny, an object to be ogled and objectified.

 

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Een bericht gedeeld door Allison Stokke Fowler (@allisonstokke)

The image, which aimed to showcase her beauty and physique, was uploaded to a Californian track and field website and later shared on a sports blog that primarily catered to a male audience. The caption that accompanied it emphasized the sexy part of pole vaulting rather than its athletic prowess. The photo quickly went viral, being widely circulated across various social media platforms and even garnering coverage from media outlets such as the Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post, The BBC, and Der Spiegel.

Despite the fame and attention that followed, Allison struggled to cope with the unwanted and inappropriate attention that came with the photo's viral spread. She received numerous requests for photoshoots and interviews and was often approached by photographers seeking to capture her from inappropriate angles. Her parents provided support and guidance as she navigated this newfound attention, which also led to positive things like modeling partnerships with sportswear brands and modeling agencies. However, there were also a lot more negative sides to this as The University of California even refused to feature her photo on their athletics profile page due to the overwhelming number of inappropriate requests they received from men.

Mana Shim

Mana Shim is an example of a female athlete who has been trying to break the stereotypes of female athletes. Unfortunately, she had to go through a lot before the world and the system would notice its flaws. She has been working to challenge stereotypes and promote awareness about critical issues in the sports world. A former American soccer player and current athlete advocate, she played as a midfielder for Portland Thorns FC in the National Women's Soccer League.

In addition to her achievements on the field, Shim has also been vocal about her personal experiences with sexual orientation, mental health, and sexual harassment in sports. In 2013, she publicly revealed her sexual orientation just before the NWSL championship game, hoping to inspire and support the LGBTQ+ community.

 

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Een bericht gedeeld door Mana Shim (@meleanashim)

In 2017, Shim bravely shared her diagnosis of bipolar disorder, helping to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues in sports. Her actions highlighted the importance of mental health support for athletes and encouraged others to seek help if they were struggling with similar challenges.

More recently, Shim has been a vocal advocate for survivors of sexual harassment and misconduct in women's soccer. In 2021, she made allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse against her former manager Paul Riley, leading to his dismissal from his position with the North Carolina Courage and an investigation by the NWSL.

Through her actions and advocacy, Mana Shim has become a role model and leader for female athletes around the world, inspiring them to challenge stereotypes, promote awareness about critical issues, and advocate for change in the sports world.

Skylar Diggins

Skylar Diggins-Smith is a talented and accomplished professional basketball player, currently playing for the Phoenix Mercury in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA). She has made significant contributions to the sport, both in college and the WNBA.

Diggins-Smith is known for her impressive ball-handling skills, quickness, and ability to create scoring opportunities for herself and her teammates. But more importantly, she has also become a vocal advocate for women's sports and social justice issues, using her platform to call for equal pay for female athletes and support the Black Lives Matter movement.

 

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Een bericht gedeeld door Roc Nation Sports (@rocnationsports)

The Dallas Wings player has spoken out about the significant pay gap between WNBA and NBA players. She highlighted that WNBA players receive just 20% of the revenue their male counterparts do, and that she is the highest-paid player on her team with a base salary in the low six figures, compared to the NBA minimum of over $838,000. Diggins-Smith is working with Jay-Z to improve her brand and increase mainstream appeal, but believes the WNBA needs to create more marketing opportunities for its players. She called for men to speak out in support of equal pay in sports.

Despite facing challenges, both on and off the court, Diggins-Smith continues to be a positive force in the basketball community and an inspiration to young athletes everywhere. Her talent, dedication, and advocacy have helped to pave the way for a more equitable and inclusive future in sports.

Paige Spiranac

Paige Spiranac is the perfect example of a pro golfer who’s taking the world by storm! But it's not her golf skills that are so impressive, it's mostly her looks… The golf pro is making waves both on and off the course. Despite only having one professional win, she's managed to become a household name, thanks in part to her stunning looks and social media savvy. But don't let that fool you - she's also a talented golfer and a dedicated sports ambassador.

Growing up as a gymnast in Colorado, Paige had to give up her passion due to a knee injury. But that setback didn't stop her from pursuing another love: golf. She's since become a YouTube sensation, sharing her golf knowledge with fans through her 145 tutorial videos.

 

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Een bericht gedeeld door Paige Spiranac (@_paige.renee)

However, it's impossible to ignore the role her looks have played in her success. With over 3.7 million followers on Instagram, Paige has become a social media superstar. Many of her posts feature her in form-fitting golf attire, and she's not shy about playing up her sex appeal.

While some have accused her of using her looks to gain followers rather than her golf skills, Paige has defended herself, saying that she's trying to bring more attention to women's golf and encourage young girls to take up the sport. However, her revealing outfits have caused controversy, leading to the LPGA introducing a new dress code to make players appear less sexy. This move has been met with criticism from some players, who believe it shows the game is stuck in the past and could deter new, young players.

Blair O’Neal

Meet Blair O'Neal, the bombshell golfer who's been turning heads on the green and on the runway! This Illinois-born babe has been crushing it on the golf course since her college days at Arizona State University, where she earned a full golf scholarship. And let me tell you, this girl has got some serious game!

Blair's got more than just a mean swing, though. She's also a total knockout who's modeled for Sports Illustrated's "Swimsuit Issue" and Golf Digest, among others. I mean, have you seen those killer legs and that gorgeous smile? No wonder she's got such a huge following on social media!

 

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Een bericht gedeeld door Blair O'Neal (@blaironealgolf)

But don't let her looks fool you. Blair's got some serious skills and has competed on various tours, including the LPGA Tour and the Symetra Tour. She's even won Golf Channel's "The Big Break" competition, which earned her exemptions to play in several professional tournaments. Talk about a boss!

And if that weren't enough, Blair also worked as a television host and commentator, covering golf events for various networks. This girl truly does it all! So, if you're a golf fan, a fashion enthusiast, or just love to watch a talented woman crush it in whatever she does, Blair O'Neal is definitely someone to keep an eye on. She's a true inspiration to anyone looking to pursue their passions and break down barriers!

Alex Morgan

Alex Morgan is a soccer superstar with a down-to-earth charm that makes her a relatable athlete. She made history as the youngest player on the US Women's National Team at just 22 years old and has since become one of the most influential female athletes in the world. As a trailblazer for women's soccer, she's also broken barriers as the first female soccer player to grace the cover of the popular FIFA video game series and is one of the highest paid female athletes.

 

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Een bericht gedeeld door Alex Morgan (@alexmorgan13)

In addition to her impressive career achievements, Morgan has been using her platform to speak out against sexual abuse in women's soccer. She recently called out the system's failure to support her former teammate, Mana Shim, who spoke out about sexual harassment by her coach, Paul Riley. Despite taking the proper steps, Shim was let down by her club, league, and the overall system. An independent investigation has since revealed the widespread nature of emotional abuse and sexual misconduct across multiple teams, coaches, and players in the National Women's Soccer League.

Ronda Rousey

Ronda Rousey is a talented athlete, actress, and former mixed martial artist and judoka. She made history as the first women's UFC Bantamweight Champion by dominating the Ultimate Fighting Championship and Strikeforce Women’s Bantamweight Championship. Rousey also left her mark in the world of professional wrestling, becoming the only woman to win a championship in both the UFC and WWE, as well as headlining a pay-per-view event in both companies. 

 

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Her impressive achievements have earned her recognition as one of the greatest female athletes of all time, including being named the best female athlete of all-time by ESPN. Rousey's fierce determination and unwavering dedication to her craft have made her an icon in the world of sports and entertainment. With a massive social media following, she is also one of the highest-earning athletes, estimated to earn over $28 million on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter combined.

Aly Raisman

Prepare to be inspired by the incredible Aly Raisman - a true powerhouse in the world of gymnastics. With six Olympic medals and two stints as women's team captain, Raisman is a force to be reckoned with.

But her impact doesn't stop there - Raisman is also a vocal advocate for body positivity, using her platform of over 2 million Instagram followers to promote self-love and acceptance. She has teamed up with clothing brand Aerie to deliver empowering PSAs on how to maintain a positive mindset in the age of social media.

 

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Een bericht gedeeld door Alexandra Raisman (@alyraisman)

Additionally, Raisman has been a strong supporter of mental health and applauded Simone Biles' decision to prioritize her own well-being at the 2021 Olympics. Not content with simply excelling in sports and beauty, Raisman is also fighting for justice for her fellow gymnasts. Talk about a triple threat!

Ivona Dadic

Move over Arnold Schwarzenegger, there's a new Austrian talent in town! Meet Ivona Dadic, the stunning track and field star who can outrun, out-jump, and out-throw almost anyone on the planet.

Ivona made her Olympic debut at the young age of 19 in the heptathlon event, where she gave it her all and achieved personal bests in not one, not two, but THREE events! Talk about impressive.

 

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Een bericht gedeeld door Ivona Dadic (@ivona.dadic)

But Ivona's road to athletic greatness didn't start at the Olympics. No, no, she was already competing at the ripe old age of nine. That's right, while most kids were playing with Barbie dolls or GI Joes, Ivona was already training to become a world-class athlete. With her stunning looks and athletic prowess, Ivona is a force to be reckoned with both on and off the track. We can't wait to see what she achieves next!

Sources: Whywelovegolf, Mail Online, New York Post, Richard Mille, Global News, Sportnieuws, PaperMag, FHM, Bleacher Report, Breaking Muscle, OutKick, Olympic, Daily Mail, BBC, ATTN, Marie Claire, MVP Mode,  | Images: Flickr/Tristan Jones, Getty Images/Andy Mead/ISI Photos, Shutterstock/Christian Bruna, Getty Images/BSR Agency, Chris Garrison Photography, INC/Cobra Puma Golf, Getty Images/FIFA/Naomi Baker, Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC, REUTERS/Cole Burston, Stephnacho, Jordan Johnson/NBAE, Josh Hedges/Zuff LLC, Javier Soriano/AFP/Getty Images, David Ramos, Robert Prange, Getty Images, Flickr, John Cosby, Terry Schmitt/UPI

 

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