I started MzSport in September 1999 as a way of promoting women's achievements in sports. Over the years competing as a bodybuilder and working in the fitness industry, I have had the opportunity of meeting and working with a number of talented female athletes. These athletes, from their various sports and life experiences, have much to contribute in terms of their knowledge, skill, and years of dedication. Women and girls face particular challenges to becoming active. But keeping them in the game is even a greater challenge.
Girls tend to drop out of sports and physical education at an earlier age than boys.
They turn to smoking at an alarmingly higher percentage than their male counterparts. We know that girls suffer self-esteem issues in school which influence their academic and athletic performance. Eating disorders are also stumbling blocks for some young women. In comparing more active societies such as Norway against more sedentary ones as in North America, it seems the success of Norway in this regard is associated with getting youth hooked on a physical lifestyle early in the game. There is an appreciable lack of female role models promoting health and fitness.