On Athletes & Activism
The G.O.A.T
Simone Biles is not just an Olympic champion — she’s also an equality champion. By putting her mental health above the winner’s podium, she showed true leadership and remarkable self-awareness. As we continue to watch the Olympic Games and celebrate all the female talent on display, here are some words of wisdom from more of our heroes in the world of sports.
THE NUMBERS
- Tokyo 2020 (in 2021) broke new ground as the most gender-equal edition to date with 49% of 11,656 of the athletes being female.
- The executive board of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) is only about 33% female and its committee membership is about 37.5% female.
- 257 athletes contributed to the U.S. medal count, according to the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee. Of that number, 164 were female and 93 were male./li>
49%
Record-breaking percentage of women competing in Tokyo 2020 Olympics
329
Number of women who dominated Team USA 3 games in a row at Tokyo 2020 versus 284 men
23
Out of team USA’s 39 Olympic gold medals at this year’s Olympics, 23 were won by women.
66
Out of the 113 total Olympic medals won by Team USA, women’s events raked in 66 compared to 41 from men’s events.
I truly do feel like I have the weight of the world on my shoulders at times. I know I brush it off and make it seem like pressure doesn’t affect me but damn sometimes it’s hard.
SIMONE BILES
THE MOST DECORATED AMERICAN GYMNAST OF ALL TIME
HEARD INSIDE THE LOUNGE
On the power of the pack:
“I feel a responsibility to get to know other women working in the NFL. If I can open a door of opportunity for them, I think it’s my responsibility to do it. I wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for the women who did that for me.” — Renie Anderson, Chief Revenue Officer and EVP, Partnerships, NFL
On getting off the sidelines:
“When a stretch-opportunity comes your way, you have to mitigate the negative self-talk and the imposter syndrome. Find the confidence within yourself to go for it.” — Michele Meyer-Shipp, Chief People & Culture Officer, MLB
On creating space for everyone:
“It’s about providing the opportunity for everyone. Because when you have that chance, when you can grab it, that’s when you can step up and make the change.” — Stephanie McMahon, Chief Brand Officer, WWE
On staying at the top of your game:
“The emphasis on mental health over the last year has taught us how important it is to create a work environment that is conducive to our employees’ overall wellbeing.” — JoAnn Neale, President & Chief Administrative Officer, MLS
READ | WATCH | LISTEN
NYF Advertising Awards Announces SeeHer Lens Award Winner; “Let Her Run”
We are so excited to congratulate the first-ever winner of the SeeHer Official Lens Award, “Let Her Run.” Awarded in partnership with NYF and the ANA, the winning film illustrates what many female athletes went through to prove that they were really women. Learn more about our collaboration below!
Not Just Role Models, Real Models
“You can do anything just as long as you set your mind to it.” We couldn’t agree more with these inspiring words from Pauline Lopez, one of the many Olympians and Equality Champions who joined us at last week’s FQ Global Pack Asia Regional Dinner. If you missed it, catch the entire conversation below!
Explore The Modern Guide To Equality™
Imposter syndrome isn’t just something we experience on the playing field — it happens in the workplace, too. What exactly is it, and how can we deal with it? Listen in to this Modern Guide to Equality™ to find out.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
We may not be physically together, but the power of community is stronger than ever. Help us activate change together and tune into our Virtual Equality Conversations! Click below to view our upcoming agenda below and stay tuned for more:
