Inspiring Girls International

🌟🎿 Russian cross-country skier Natalia Korosteleva has made her mark in the sporting world with an impressive career spanning over a decade. Her abilities have shone through on the global stage, with highlights include winning a bronze medal at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver as well as podium finishes in various World Cup events. Natalia shares that engaging in sport gives you energy, helping you ‘get rid of negativity and receive only positive emotions’. Her passion for promoting the benefits of cross-country skiing is evident in her advocacy for young athletes, encouraging them to pursue their dreams with the same determination and positivity that has driven her success. What message would you give girls about the power of sport? #PassTheTorch by telling us in the comments below!

“Wilma Rudolph inspires me because if you are looking for proof that everything is possible, that girl is your answer.” Lucia, our Young Ambassador to Slovakia, tells us how inspired she is by the life of incredible sprinter #WilmaRudolph, who overcame childhood polio to make history at the 1960 Rome Olympics, becoming the first American woman to win three gold medals in track and field 🏅🏅🏅 Beyond her athletic achievements, Wilma Rudolph used her platform to advocate for civil rights and women’s rights worldwide. Her incredible legacy continues to inspire women and girls around the world 🙌🌍 #PassTheTorch

Along with health benefits, sport gives girls so many valuable skills they will carry with them into the rest of their lives, especially their careers. And yet it’s still often overlooked as a tool for women’s empowerment. According to research from the Women's Sports Foundation, girls involved in sports demonstrate greater confidence and resilience, setting them up for success both on and off the field. It’s time to change the narrative, and encourage girls to reclaim the power of sport for themselves 💪💥 How has sport enriched your life? #PassTheTorch by sharing your story in the comments below.

🌟🚴♀️ Two-time Olympic gold medalist Joanna Rowsell MBE OLY AMRSB has had a truly legendary career as part of the GB cycling team, at one point holding the national European, Commonwealth, World and Olympic titles. Embarking on an athletic career at a young age, she shares with us the inspiration she drew from sporting heroes Paula Radcliffe and Dame Kelly Holmes. Jo‘s remarkable achievements are testament to her hard work and commitment, but, as she tells us, the true power of sport isn‘t just in the winning, but in the lessons learned along the way. Teamwork, working well under pressure and overcoming a fear of failure - her words are a powerful reminder of the invaluable life-skills sport has to offer girls. A passionate advocate for equal opportunities through her work for Women in Sport, her dedication to empowering young women through sport ensures her legacy extends beyond her own achievements, lighting the way for future champions 🔥🙌 What life lessons has sport taught you? Join our #PassTheTorch campaign by sharing your story in the comments below.

“Make sure you’re very courageous: Be strong, be extremely kind, and above all be humble.” Serena Williams is more than a tennis champion; she's a global icon who has redefined the sport and inspired millions. With 23 Grand Slam titles and countless records, Serena’s extraordinary career is a testament to her unmatched skill, determination, and resilience 🎾🏆 Serena's impact extends to her advocacy for equality, empowerment, and representation in sports. She continually uses her platform to break barriers and champion women's rights, inspiring the next generation of athletes to dream big and fight for their place at the top. Here's to Serena Williams – a true legend whose legacy will continue to inspire for generations to come 🌍💪 📷: Bradley Kanaris / Getty Images #PassTheTorch

Ekam, our Young Ambassador to the UK, tells us how inspired she is by Karenjeet Kaur Bains ACA, the first female British Sikh powerlifter to represent Great Britain🏋️♀️🇬🇧 Karenjeet’s achievements in powerlifting are nothing short of inspirational. She’s not just lifting weights; she’s lifting the dreams and aspirations of countless young athletes within the Sikh community and beyond. Karenjeet's story reminds us that with determination and hard work, you can achieve greatness and pave the way for others to follow. Let's celebrate her incredible journey and cheer her on as she continues to make her mark in the world of powerlifting! 💪✨ Who are the female sporting heroes who inspire you? Tell us in the comments! 📷: White Lights Media #PassTheTorch

🌟🥋 Serbian judoka Marica Perišić has quickly become a force to be reckoned with in the world of judo. She’s already achieved significant success, including gold medals at the 2022 Mediterranean Games, the 2023 Tbilisi Grand Slam, and will once again be representing her country in the Olympics this summer. Marica's advice to young girls is to always believe in themselves, to be disciplined, and to never compare themselves to others. ‘Every girl should be strong for herself and not be ashamed of it, and they should let that guide them.’ Her journey of strength and resilience serve as a beacon of inspiration for the next generation of girls to persue their dreams with determination and confidence 👏 Good luck to Marica and the Serbian Judo team for #Paris2024! #PassTheTorch

It's disheartening to see so many girls held back from enjoying sports due to fear of judgment and societal pressures. Body image issues and a lack of confidence play a significant role, with many girls who had enjoyed sport moving away from it as teenagers. This not only robs them of the joy that comes with playing sports but also the numerous benefits, such as improved mental well-being, resilience, teamwork, and communication skills. We must challenge stereotypes and help create supportive environments that make every girl feel valued and capable, regardless of their skill level. By addressing these issues and giving girls access to role models who have overcome these barriers, we can keep more girls engaged in sports and reaping the lifelong benefits. Let's work together to ensure that no girl is excluded from the joy and fulfilment sport can bring 🙌⚽ 📊 Source: Women in Sport #PassTheTorch

Vitória, our Young Ambassador to Brasil, tells us about the incredible achievements of Marta Vieira da Silva, who is often regarded as the greatest female footballer of all time 🌍⚽ “Marta Vieira da Silva inspires me for being an example of dedication and talent. Six times voted the best football player in the world by FIFA, Marta broke barriers and fights tirelessly for gender equality in sport.” Marta is celebrated not only for her skill and achievements but also for her role as a trailblazer for women's soccer. She has inspired countless young athletes, particularly girls, to pursue their dreams in sports 🙌✨ #PassTheTorch

"I think sport is extremely powerful and so important. It definitely gives you guys an opportunity to always be better, to strive for greatness, to work in a team and to have fun. I think that’s the most important thing.” Racing driver Caitlin Wood has broken stereotypes and exceeded expectations in a traditionally male-dominated sport. Her achievements speak for themselves, and serve as an inspiration to young girls and women aspiring to follow in her footsteps, and enter the world of motorsports 🏎️✨ She describes how inspired she was by driver Leanne Ferrier, who taught her to never take no for an answer. Her journey is a testament to her talent, determination, and commitment to breaking barriers, and her achievements and advocacy efforts continue to inspire and pave the way for future generations of female racers. Join our #PassTheTorch campaign by telling us your female sporting inspirations in the comments below, and show girls everywhere the power of sport 🙌👊