About
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“I am an Olympian. Those words send a shiver down my spine and ignites a warm flame in my heart. The pride I feel is indescribable, but not because of the years of work, the moments of doubt, or the puddles of sweat. My journey was wrought with so much pain. My story is one of overcoming.”
Joanna Brown, 2021 Tokyo Olympian, Triathlon |
The vision for the Resilient Athlete Project was sparked by seeking out and hearing many stories from female athletes similar to Joanna Brown’s. Stories of pain. Stories of Resilience. Stories of determination that we can do better. There is a gap between development and high performance in the Canadian sporting system.There is a lack of connection with knowledgeable professionals and existing resources. The three themes of The Resilient Athlete Project were clearly identified by all canvassed athletes: Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport, stress management and safe environments. We must address them early if we want to keep girls in sport for the long-term.
Stories of Resilience was delivered in spring of 2021 to 324 athletes, coaches and parents from 15 different sports. It included 3 experts, 14 current or retired high performance (national level) athletes representing six different disciplines. From the post-event survey:
Research into RED-S has shed light on the need for education regarding energy availability in sport. In a recent IOC consensus statement, estimates of the prevalence of menstrual disorders in athletes show that 2-5% of collegiate women struggle with secondary amenorrhea. The IOC report estimates that 69% of dancers and 65% of runners don’t get regular periods - evincing the immediate need for robust educational programs and resources for female athletes. The long term consequences of RED-S is largely unknown to athletes who often value short term gains in performance as they are not aware of the lasting effects of this state.
The Resilient Athlete Project is not about creating one leader. It is about creating many through mentorship. It is about bringing expertise to life using the stories of many. It is about community and a safe space. This project aims to shift the culture of sport from the ground up. Where athletes can find the resources they need to reach the next level in their endeavors. Where athletes can know they are not alone, and that their requests for help are heard.
Stories of Resilience was delivered in spring of 2021 to 324 athletes, coaches and parents from 15 different sports. It included 3 experts, 14 current or retired high performance (national level) athletes representing six different disciplines. From the post-event survey:
- 88% wanted to hear more stories from athletes
- over 50% felt they did not have or know about the available resources on Redefining Failure, Power, and RED-S from organizations like the Coaching Association of Canada, your provincial sport bodies or local sport providers
Research into RED-S has shed light on the need for education regarding energy availability in sport. In a recent IOC consensus statement, estimates of the prevalence of menstrual disorders in athletes show that 2-5% of collegiate women struggle with secondary amenorrhea. The IOC report estimates that 69% of dancers and 65% of runners don’t get regular periods - evincing the immediate need for robust educational programs and resources for female athletes. The long term consequences of RED-S is largely unknown to athletes who often value short term gains in performance as they are not aware of the lasting effects of this state.
The Resilient Athlete Project is not about creating one leader. It is about creating many through mentorship. It is about bringing expertise to life using the stories of many. It is about community and a safe space. This project aims to shift the culture of sport from the ground up. Where athletes can find the resources they need to reach the next level in their endeavors. Where athletes can know they are not alone, and that their requests for help are heard.
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Together we have stories that we want to share. We have stories that need to be heard.
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