The chosen article describes the influence of Nicola Adams, who is a professional boxer. Adams grew world-famous as the first female boxer to become an Olympic champion in 2012. However, she obtained the highest popularity in her career when she won the second gold medal in Rio in 2016. As of now, the athlete has taken a well-deserved vacation and does not participate in world competitions but actively fights discrimination.
Adams had the experience of discrimination based on gender and race. In fact, before the appearance of the athlete, boxing was traditionally a male sport. Adams has been criticized on the grounds of gender policy, although after 2012, the sports community recognized the potential of women and their possible achievements (Woodward, 2014). Despite the challenging course, the athlete was able to prove to the male world that women, regardless of race and origin, are competent in boxing. In the current media, she is mentioned as a successful athlete and a woman with an active position on gender and race equality.
It seems to me that the initial attitude towards Williams on the part of the professional sports community and the media was negative. Only after the tennis player could win, did she become considered a worthy professional, regardless of gender. Nicola Adams’ victory had the same effect, allowing her to fight for women’s rights (Woodward, 2014). Although the sports community and media were more demanding of Williams, they examined her clothing and physique. As a result of observations, they performed assumptions about the muscularity of the athlete, and people tried to find a connection physical shape her race and origin.
In my opinion, it is a myth that black athletes have extraordinary strength and physique that permits them to win. In order to achieve a perfect body shape, an athlete requires to train carefully. However, the myth that only men can box should also be refuted. In fact, this sport requires strength and endurance, but women can show them. Thus, these examples show that gender and race are not the grounds for discrimination against women in their desire to do sports.
Reference
Woodward, K. (2014). Legacies of 2012: Putting women’s boxing into discourse. Contemporary Social Science, 9(2), 242-252. Web.