for those who love the outdoors
8 March, 2023
The Outside & Active Podcast is fortunate to have been joined by a number of inspirational women throughout the past year. We have picked out 5 that we think you should add to your library.
International Women's Day takes place today, March 8th, and is a day of celebration and recognition for the achievements and contributions made by women around the world. It also serves as an important reminder that there is still much work to be done in order to achieve true gender equality in all areas of life - the world of sport and activity is no exception.
Gender inequality remains a major issue across the globe, which is why it’s so important to recognise International Women’s Day each year. By celebrating this important event, we can help spread awareness about key issues faced by women and show our support for their empowerment.
Equality in sport is incredibly important for several reasons. Firstly, it contributes to a broader cultural shift towards gender equity, which is necessary to ensure that all individuals are treated with respect and are able to reach their full potential. It also gives female athletes the opportunity to pursue their dreams without being impeded by gender-based discrimination or prejudice.
Gender equality in sports can provide a valuable platform for female athletes to gain visibility and recognition for their accomplishments. This is one of the many reasons we find the guests on the podcasts featured in this article so inspirational - they are leaders and forerunners in their fields. Female athletes often lack media coverage and sponsorship opportunities compared to their male counterparts, something discussed with GB Pole Vault Olympian, Holly Bradshaw, in her podcast episode.
But when female athletes have equal access to resources and competition opportunities, they can better showcase their talents. This equal coverage creates a ripple effect which encourages young girls who want to pursue sports as a career path.
The women below act as role models to the next generation, allowing them to feel empowered to follow any path they should choose, without judgement
Mia has been snowboarding since she was eighteen months old, travelling around Europe in the family motorhome. Mia met the GB Snowsport Freestyle coaches while out in Laax when she was ten years old and later that year was selected to the team’s development squad. During the following seasons Mia continued to train with GB Snowsport Freestyle coaches in Laax, Livigno and Hintertux and enjoyed competing in the World Rookie Tour comps.
At just 16 years old, Mia has recently become the youngest slopestyle world champion. She landed the first Cab 1440 double grab in a women's event to claim Britain's maiden slopestyle gold.
Mia joined me on the Podcast at The National Snow Show 2022 where she was still 15 years old. She is clearly years ahead of that time and it is obvious that Mia will be incredibly successful in her field if she continues on her upward trajectory.
Professional surfer, snowboarder, model & influencer, Lauras passion for snowboarding began at the age of 9 and alongside professional surfing she became fascinated with the slopes and outdoor adventure activities.
Since then Laura has represented Great Britain internationally for surfing, ranking fifth in the 2013 International Surfing Association European Championships.
Whilst travelling the world competing, Laura continued to model for International brands including Nike, Billabong, Chilli Surfboards and more. Laura is dedicated to promoting a healthy body image and flying the flag for talented, female surfers and sportswomen across the globe.
In this episode of the Outside & Active Podcast, Laura talks through her love for the outdoors, her experience on Love Island and battles with eating disorders.
Katie started Snowboarding at Halifax dry slope when she was five years old after skiing from the age of 3. Katie also competed at County level Gymnastics from the age of 4 which complemented her Freestyle ability in Snowboarding due to her muscular strength and spacial awareness.
At 15 years old, Katie became the youngest girl to land a Double backflip on a Snowboard and at the age of 16 did the World’s first female Backside Double Cork 1080.
Katie fractured her heel in training at the Olympic Winter Games Pyeongchang in 2018 and therefore missed out on competing. However, at the end of her outstanding 2019/20 come back season she was crowned Snowboard Slopestyle Crystal Globe winner, the first British female as well as first British snowboarder to complete the feat.
Unfortunately, Katie is currently out of action with injury once again but is showing strong mental determination to get fighting fit again in order to compete as soon as possible. We can't wait to see Katie back out on the slopes.
Eilish McColgan is a world-renowned Scottish middle and long-distance runner. She began running at the age of seven, and she quickly developed an intense passion for the sport. At the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, India, she won a bronze medal in the 3000m steeplechase event. After her success there, she went on to take fourth place at the European Championships in Barcelona in 2010 and third place at the 2011 World Championships in Daegu, South Korea.
Since then, Eilish has gone on to become one of Scotland's most decorated middle and long-distance runners ever. In 2016, Eilish won gold at the European Championships in Amsterdam and silver at the World Indoor Championships in Portland, Oregon. Her career highlights have also included victories at prestigious meets like the Diamond League meetings in Zurich and Brussels as well as gold medals at both the 2017 Commonwealth Youth Games and 2018 Commonwealth Games.
Off of the track, Eilish has also achieved great success academically as she holds a BSc Honours degree in Sport Science from Stirling University (2015). She is also an ambassador for various charitable organizations such as Right To Play UK & Ireland and The British Heart Foundation Scotland to name a few.
Eilish has recently set a record breaking 10,000 meter time which has stood since Paula Radcliffe set the previous record in 2002. Amazing work, Eilish!
Renee is a leading Sports and Eating disorder specialist dietitian with 20 years of experience working in clinical and performance nutrition. She’s worked with athletes across the globe including supporting Olympic (London, 2012), Paralympic (Rio, 2016) and Commonwealth (Queensland, 2018) teams.
Renee also works closely with English and Scottish National Ballet, leading on their diet advisory and supporting dancers of all ages and abilities.
Outside & Active is the home for those who love the outdoors. Our mission is to inspire, inform and educate people about being active outdoors in a fun, safe and sustainable way. We provide inspiration, kit, tech and advice on adventure, camping, climbing, cycling, hiking, running water and winter.
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