Next generation of Canadian female athletes not participating in sports after COVID-19
CTV
In Canada, there are fewer women and girls participating in sports due to barriers like equity, access, racism and body image. As the sports world recovers from the pandemic, women and girls are not returning showing a larger divide than before.
"The fun of track meets, for me at least, has been lost as I've gotten older."
For a decade of her life, Christina Hollingworth has been involved in track and field – a sport that involves running, high jump, throwing and overall athleticism.
From age six, her parents instilled in her the desire to practice and get better results, but to also have fun and enjoy the sport.
The Edmonton resident, now 16, still carries those values with her. She is ranked second in Canada for the discus throw, an event within track and field where participants throw a 2.2-pound disk.
Christina's journey of getting to the top has been a lonely one.
She's witnessed several friends drop out of track, unable to mentally or emotionally handle the pressure – and sometimes abuse and shame – that is placed on young women and girls in sport.
For the young Enoch Cree First Nation woman, watching so many talented athletes turn away from sports was heartbreaking.
