People sometimes assume women are inherently less athletic than men. Sure, when compared to men of the same fitness level women might be able to lift less weight. But studies have shown women have better stamina. And even though women’s upper-body strength may not match men’s, their lower-body strength often does.
So why do we take women’s sports less seriously? It is because they are considered “girly” and therefore less difficult?
This week’s Divided States of Women takes on the sexist double standard in sports. We interview two competitive synchronized swimmers and a dance troupe in wheelchairs to talk sexism, stamina, and women in sports.