No matter how many records you break or medals you win, if you’re a woman in sports, the spotlight will always be dimmer. Despite providing incredible performances, female athletes are not recognized in the media or get sponsors like male athletes. Enter Tara Davis-Woodhall, an established athlete who isn’t just competing—she’s calling for change. Starting from eliminating the gap in sponsorship to breaking the bias in acknowledgment, the Olympic victor is using her position to speak up for equality.
Women’s sports have made huge strides, with record-breaking athletes. Yet, the fight for equal pay, maternity rights, and recognition continues. Ahead of International Women’s Day, American media and technology company Pop Sugar asked athletes about their views or hopes for women’s sports. Answering their question, Olympic gold medalist Tara Davis-Woodhall exposed the reality.
Women in sports don’t just compete against their rivals—they battle a system that refuses to give them equal footing. “Women’s sports deserve the same visibility, coverage, and opportunities as men’s,” says Tara Davis-Woodhall. The playing field isn’t equal—not in earnings, not in media attention, and certainly not in the opportunities granted.
Despite the undeniable talent of female athletes, they have to face major issues like financial backing with fewer sponsors. She further goes on by saying, “Right now, the playing field isn’t equal. There are fewer opportunities, less media coverage, and a lack of investment.” Even major sports networks dedicate a fraction of their coverage to women’s sports compared to their male counterparts.
Tara Davis-Woodhall isn’t just pointing out the problem—she’s pushing for real change. “It’s time for brands, networks, and decision-makers to step up, invest, and give women’s sports the recognition and platform they rightfully deserve.” The pursuit of equal opportunities is not only about justice but also about giving recognition to female athletes’ unprecedented skills, loyalty, and accomplishments, who no longer allow themselves to be marginalized.
The fight for equality in sports is leveling the playing field
Even after breaking records, women often battle for the same respect, coverage, and financial backing as their male counterparts. While progress has been made, the playing field is far from equal. One of the biggest obstacles? Sponsorship. Women athletes earn significantly less than men, even when they dominate their fields.
Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian pointed out how the earnings gap remains staggering despite growing audiences. In February, Ohanion posted about the same in the track and field. As per her post, in 2024, the top 15 women in track and field could earn $157 million from endorsements and $64 million from salary/winnings. And their male counterparts’ earnings will shake you.
The numbers are crazy. Endorsements are $534 million, and the salary/winnings were $1.3 billion. Blow up your mind, right? While brands are starting to invest more in women’s sports, the gap remains wide. But the issue isn’t just financial—it’s also about recognition. Gabby Thomas also shared her thoughts with Pop Sugar, saying, “Alongside equal pay, I’d love to continue to see even more exposure and overall respect for women’s athletics.”
It’s clear, from track and field to every other sport, women athletes face such issues and I’m not sure when this will change. Despite their accomplishments, female athletes are frequently given inadequate recognition, their records are belittled, and their success is often met with less fanfare. Even in track and field, Tara Davis-Woodhall competes so well, but male athletes still get most of the attention in the media.
This in turn makes it challenging for women to be the way they should be—to get the visibility they deserve. But well, the frontrunners of the sport are trying their best to change the current narrative. And with women like Tara at the forefront, things might change sooner than later for them. What do you guys think? Let us know in the comments.
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