CELEBRATING WOMEN & GIRLS IN SPORTS
For National Women & Girls in Sports Day, we’re asking #TeamAltra athletes that inspire us about what has inspired them.
February 3rd, 2021 is National Women & Girls in Sports Day. To acknowledge and celebrate, we've asked some of our #TeamAltra athletes to share what has inspired them in the past as girls in sport, how they hope to inspire future generations of girls in sport, and what accomplishments they’re most proud of.
02-03-2021
NICOLE BITTER
Tell us about what sports meant to you as a young girl.
I was raised in a home where hard work was highly emphasized, so when I wasn’t in school, sports were a great outlet for me. I was fortunate that my parents enrolled me in a variety of sports, including ice skating, soccer, and tennis, so I had a chance to find what activities I truly loved.
Share an accomplishment you’re proud of and describe what it meant to you as a woman in that moment.
In 2015, I set the North American trail record in the 100-mile distance at Rocky Raccoon en route to winning the National Championship. While the race is memorable, I will always know that it gave me confidence in other facets of life; It made me believe I could accomplish more.
What value or influence do sports have in your life as a woman today?
Sports are still my outlet from work and other life stresses. There is something so freeing about lacing up my shoes and going for a run. I know sports will always be part of my daily routine, even when my competitive days are in the past.
TINA MUIR
Tell us about what sports meant to you as a young girl.
As someone who was struggling to find my place in the world, sports gave me a way to stand out, to discover who I wanted to be, and build the belief that with time and hard work (and my white skin) I could do hard things, even things that initially seemed impossible.
Share an accomplishment you’re proud of and describe what it meant to you as a woman in that moment.
Representing my country in a world championship was a goal I set aged 14. I would repeat GB, GB, GB over and over in my head on tough workouts, think about it in my most quiet moments, and use it for motivation on days I didn’t want to get out the door. I loved seeing kids around the course that day, hoping that I inspired other little girls to have big dreams and then go get them.
What do you hope your daughter will learn about sports as a girl?
Subliminal messaging in our society tells girls how to act, how to be, how to think to be accepted, polite, and “good.” Sports allow girls to be who they are, in the way that feels right. I hope my daughters learn that sports are a way to express who they are and learn to love every part of what their bodies can do.
STEPHANIE ELDORE
Tell us about what sports meant to you as a young girl.
I conquered my first big footrace when I was 6 years old. It was an 8.1-mile run, and I earned a trophy for being the youngest to finish. It has been almost 40 years since that first race, and I’ll remember it always; it prompted my love of running.
Share an accomplishment you’re proud of and describe what it meant to you as a woman in that moment.
My greatest accomplishment as a woman in sports was when I finished my third 100-miler in December of 2018. It was a race that was bigger than myself. I dedicated this race to my sweet mom who is in the later stages of dementia/Alzheimer’s. While training for (and then participating in) this event, I raised $5,045 for the Alzheimer’s Association in honor of the most remarkable woman I have ever known.
What do you hope your daughter will learn about sports as a girl?
I cherish all of the miles I’ve spent running and adventuring with my daughter Abby. I really hope that Abby’s continual participation in sports teaches her that there truly are zero limits, and she can accomplish anything that she sets her mind to.
KRISTE PEOPLES
Share an accomplishment you’re proud of and describe what it meant to you as a woman in that moment.
I love cheering other people on and running in community, but I'd been feeling the need to do something solely on my own, so I signed up for a high-altitude ultramarathon. It was tough, but so was I, and that reminder was the best gift I could have ever given to myself at that time.
What value or influence do sports have in your life as a woman today?
I tend to think of sports more as movement or physical activity, and it's as important to me as a daily vitamin. It's part of what keeps me strong, playful, and human.
KARA GOUCHER
Tell us about what sports meant to you as a young girl.
As a young girl, sports meant the freedom to move my body and explore my competitive side. Sports made me feel so alive; they gave me strength.
Share an accomplishment you’re proud of and describe what it meant to you as a woman in that moment.
I dreamt as a young girl about what it would feel like to win a global medal for my country. To become the first American, male or female, to win a medal in the 10,000 meters at World Championship filled me with great pride and honor.
What do you hope to inspire in the girls of today who love sports?
Sports have played such an important role in my life. I want young girls to know that they belong in sports, and that it can be a lifelong membership.
MEREDITH EDWARDS
Tell us about what sports meant to you as a young girl.
Sports played a huge roll in my life when growing up. I participated in everything from downhill ski racing to field hockey. Sports empowered me and gave confidence in my teens.
Share an accomplishment you’re proud of and describe what it meant to you as a woman in that moment.
My crowning accomplishment in sport was 2nd place UTMB TDS. Having this race result showed me that hard work pays off and staying consistent is the key to success. As a woman in sport, it was the first time I felt like I could start competing with men and do well. I finished 31st overall and was really proud of that accomplishment.
What value or influence do sports have in your life as a woman today?
I value where sport has taken me in life not only as an athlete but as a person. Running has empowered me and for that I'm grateful. The lessons I've learned about myself from the trail have carried over into my personal life and that has nothing to do with winning, but everything to do with being a champion of my life.
ALYSIA MONTAÑO
Tell us about what sports meant to you as a young girl.
As a young girl, sports meant fun and an opportunity to be bold, strong, and courageous.
Share an accomplishment you’re proud of and describe what it meant to you as a woman in that moment.
My most crowing accomplishments in sport is when I ran at 5 and 8 months pregnant at USA nationals to help break down barriers and increase visibility of mothers in sport.
What do you hope your daughter will learn about sports as a girl?
I hope that my daughter will learn to always, always replace can’t with maybe. Sports have shown me, you’ll never know until you try and when you try you remember your whys.