Passion is ageless: challenging AGEISM
Kathrine Switzer had to fight to complete the Boston Marathon in 1967, and more than 50 years on continues to struggle with discrimination – but now it is ageism, not sexism:
“I’m now getting the same prejudice that I got 50 years ago as a woman…They said to older people the same thing they said to us 50 years ago as women, you are too weak, you are too fragile you should slow down," she adds of her push to inspire another generation of runners.
"Now the ageing population is hearing that, and we are changing that."
Kathrine Switzer was passionate about running in 1967, and remains a passionate advocate for fitness and equality.
On the 50th anniversary of the 1967 race, Switzer ran her 9th Boston Marathon. She led a team of runners from 261 Fearless, and this time was not the only woman officially in the race - she was joined by over 13,700 women - almost half of the total runners.
Image: Recuerdos de Pandora
“You can't be what you can't see.”
― Marian Wright Edelman
Liam Hanson discusses the impact of ageism on women in sport in his article for International Longevity Centre UK:
One of the most commonly cited reasons among women for not taking part in sport is a self-belief in not being “the sporty type” – often perceived as young and slim. … Because of this perception, many women avoid exercise for fear of being ridiculed or embarrassing themselves by not being able to keep up with everyone else. As women get older, often their confidence diminishes further as they start to believe it’s too late to start any new physical activity.
Why does it matter if older women participate in sport?
You mean, apart from following our passion?
It’s well documented that participating in sport can have huge benefits for mental and physical wellbeing. For example, people who are physically active are 30% less likely to develop depression and, according to [their] research with The Business School at City University London, sport can even help you live up to 13% longer.
It’s also never too late to start experiencing the benefits of sport. Research has shown that people who increased activity levels between the age of 50 and 60 lived as long as those who were already exercising regularly in middle age.
“The sporty type”: Why are older women being locked out of sport? And why should we care? - ILCUK
So what are 4Five+ doing to combat ageism?
One of the goals of the 4Five+ Athlete Collective is to defy the stereotypes around performance and ageing and to encourage and support females of all ages to continue to perform to the highest level.
Women in Sport, a UK charity, has developed five principles to inspire women to be active in midlife, and 4Five+ are working toward all of them:
Endless Possibilities – Expand perceptions and opportunities for being active
In 2021 4Five+ are working on providing opportunities for women to experience a range of cycling disciplines (MTB, CX, road racing, crits, time-trialling). Next year we will look at making opportunities available in other sports.
Judgement-Free Zone – Welcoming and supportive environment.
We welcome all ability levels. We welcome anyone of any age or gender to come along to any of our invitational rides and seminars
Support Network – Offer built-in social support.
We offer social support through our private facebook group, and in person support in the social activities associated with sport (the coffee stop is as important as the ride!)
Expand the Image of What Sporty Means – Inspiring, relatable role models.
We are strong believers in the power of “if she can do it, so can I” and actively promote positive images of real women aged 45+ participating in sport. Check out the gallery below!
Make It Relevant – Reference specific, relevant benefits. Why should we care?
The health benefits of participating in sport are widely accepted, and we will continue to promote these benefits through our media.
The calendar is looking busy for October. Road season is winding up, and I think a large proportion of Perth’s cyclists will be training hard for Tour Of Margaret River in November - 24 women’s teams!!!
Gallery - Alison Dyson at Southern Peaks [PB Photography], Tracey Chapman & Alison Dyson at Dwellingup 100/2021 AusCycling MTB XCM National Championships finishing 2nd & 3rd female across the line [Foto Di Corsa], Deb Kempe at WCMCC road race [Focused Media], Rebecca Kelly & Vanessa Johnson lining up with the women’s elite field at AusCycling WA State Road Championships [Matt Poyner], & 4F femmes happy snaps of training & social rides
