Op-Ed: The Pressure of Appearance and Femininity in Combat Sports

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In the world of combat sports, where strength, skill, and resilience are significant, female athletes often face an additional, unique pressure:

The expectation to maintain a certain level of femininity.

This expectation can be as daunting as any opponent in the ring, as it forces women to navigate a fine line between displaying the physical attributes necessary for success in their sport and conforming to societal standards of beauty and femininity.

This article explores the pressures faced by female athletes in combat sports, highlighting how these expectations impact their training, attire, and public perception.

The Balancing Act: Strength vs. Femininity

For many female athletes, the journey in combat sports begins with a balancing act. On one hand, they must develop the physical strength, endurance, and aggression needed to compete at a high level.

On the other hand, they are often expected to retain a feminine appearance, as society still harbors traditional views about what women should look like, even when they are participating in a sport where power and toughness are key.

Female athletes are frequently subjected to criticism if they appear "too muscular" or "too aggressive," traits that are celebrated in male athletes but often frowned upon in women. This double standard can create a situation where female fighters feel the need to downplay their physicality to avoid being labeled as unfeminine, which can, in turn, impact their performance and self-esteem.

Al Sadeq, for example, made history by becoming the first Jordanian and Arab woman to be ranked No. 1 following her impressive victory at the Saudi Grand Prix in December 2023.

“I grew up in an athletic family, where all of us practiced taekwondo. In the beginning, I used to receive criticism from people for the fact that I’m a female who plays a combat sport.". Sadeq continued: “The criticism was because I look quite girly, ‘it was always you look too soft how can you be a taekwondoka?' ”

The media also plays a significant role in perpetuating the pressure on female athletes to maintain a certain appearance.

In many cases, female fighters are marketed not just for their athletic abilities but also for their looks. Promotional materials often emphasize their femininity, sometimes at the expense of highlighting their achievements in the sport. This can create a double-edged sword, where athletes are rewarded for conforming to beauty standards but risk being marginalized if they focus solely on their athleticism.

Final Thought:

The pressure of appearance and femininity in combat sports is a significant and ongoing challenge for female athletes.

As they strive for success in their respective sports, they must also navigate societal expectations that can conflict with the demands of their discipline. The experiences of athletes like Al Sedeq and many others illustrate the complexities of this issue.

However, their resilience and refusal to be defined by traditional gender norms are paving the way for future generations of female athletics. By continuing to challenge these outdated expectations, we can create a sports culture that values women for their skills, strength, and achievements—just as it does for men.