In September 2024, Tara Dower made history by becoming the fastest individual to complete the Appalachian Trail. Her remarkable achievement, finishing in just 40 days, 18 hours, and 6 minutes, surpassed the previous record by an impressive 13 hours. This milestone is one of many that showcases how women are not merely catching up in the world of sports but are setting the pace in various athletic disciplines.
In the same year, 18-year-old Audrey Jimenez made headlines in Arizona by becoming the first girl to win a Division 1 high school state wrestling title while competing against boys. These accomplishments highlight a significant shift in the athletic landscape, where women are breaking barriers in traditionally male-dominated sports. In ultramarathons, for instance, female athletes consistently outperform their male counterparts, especially in extreme distance events.
One notable example is Jasmin Paris, who, in 2024, became one of only 20 individuals to complete the grueling Barkley Marathons in under 60 hours while also managing to pump breast milk during the race. Such feats are not isolated; they reflect a broader trend of women's excellence across various sports. In long-distance swimming, female athletes routinely set records, and in climbing, Barbara “Babsi” Zangerl etched her name in history by being the first person, regardless of gender, to complete a “flash” ascent of the iconic El Capitan in under three days.
These remarkable athletic feats are more than just numbers; they signify a cultural reset. Experts suggest that society is finally recognizing the potential of women’s bodies in sports. Notably, Stacy Sims, an exercise physiologist at Stanford University, points out that older women are also making strides, recently breaking records in the Masters 70-plus category for deadlifts. This shift underscores a growing acknowledgment of the strength and capabilities of women in athletics.
Traditionally, discussions surrounding “strength” have focused on brute force and speed, qualities often associated with male physiology. However, emerging research highlights that stamina, recovery, resilience, and adaptability are equally vital for athletic performance. In these domains, female physiology often exhibits distinct advantages, as evidenced by various studies in sports science and human physiology.
The notion of female fragility is a relatively recent construct. For most of human history, women have engaged in physically demanding tasks, such as hauling gear and tracking prey, often while managing the complexities of pregnancy and motherhood. According to experts, this evolutionary heritage contributes to today's athletic achievements. Sophia Nimphius, pro-vice-chancellor of sport at Edith Cowan University, emphasizes that "female bodies have superior fatigue resistance." Research by Sandra Hunter, an exercise physiologist at the University of Michigan, supports this, indicating that women’s muscles can outlast men’s during repetitive, lower-weight activities.
Women tend to excel in endurance sports due to their bodies’ preferential use of slow-burning fat over quickly depleted carbohydrates. Studies suggest that women can often sustain activity for longer periods than men, sometimes lasting twice as long in endurance tasks. Furthermore, women exhibit faster recovery rates after intense workouts, a phenomenon linked to the presence of slow-twitch muscle fibers and hormonal influences such as estrogen, which aids in muscle repair and reduces inflammation.
Despite these advantages, women face unique challenges in sports, including a higher susceptibility to certain injuries, particularly knee and ACL injuries. Some researchers argue that existing training protocols are often designed with male physiology in mind, leading to higher injury rates among women. Emily Kraus, director of the Female Athlete Science and Translational Research (FASTR) Program at Stanford University, notes that there is often a mental resilience factor that propels women to push their limits in athletics.
As the narrative surrounding strength continues to evolve, there is a growing recognition that female athletes possess unique strengths that deserve attention. Currently, young female athletes often do not receive the same level of support, training, and scientific research as their male counterparts. A 2021 study found that only 6% of sports and exercise research focused exclusively on female bodies, highlighting a significant gap in understanding female athleticism.
Imagine the possibilities if sports science were tailored to better understand and support women's physiology. Experts predict that ongoing and future research will revolutionize the landscape of women’s athletics, benefiting not only elite athletes but also recreational participants. As Kraus notes, this evolution will be "a game changer for girls and women — not just now, but in five, ten, fifteen years from now." This potential for growth is both exciting and necessary for the next generation of female athletes.
There are several key areas where women's bodies excel, showcasing their remarkable capabilities:
Research indicates that women generally have a higher pain tolerance than men, especially in athletic contexts. Female athletes often demonstrate significant endurance in the face of pain, which may stem from both biological factors and extensive experience in sports.
Women typically possess stronger immune systems than men, attributed to the effects of estrogen and the XX chromosome. This biological advantage helps women better withstand diseases and injuries, although it is important to note that autoimmune diseases are more prevalent among females.
Women's bodies appear to be built for longevity, exhibiting less wear and tear over time. Studies suggest that female athletes may experience fewer long-term physical strain effects, with research indicating that women's vascular systems can be biologically younger than men’s as they age.
Overall, women tend to live longer than men, a trend observed across various species and cultures. This longevity is influenced by both biological factors and behavioral differences, such as risk-taking tendencies more common among men.
As we continue to uncover the strengths and advantages of female athletes, it becomes clear that the future of sports is poised for a transformation, one where women are recognized not just as competitors but as leaders in strength, endurance, and resilience.
