Sports Legend Venus Williams Champions Body Confidence in Youth Sports
Venus Williams, the iconic tennis player who has dominated the sport with her skill and determination, attributes her unwavering confidence to her involvement in sports. Williams believes that there is no feeling quite like the sense of accomplishment that comes with achieving success in one's chosen field.
Speaking at the Flag Football for Change event in Las Vegas, where she partnered with DOVE alongside fellow sports legend Steve Young during Super Bowl weekend, Williams emphasized the transformative power of sports in building confidence. For Williams, it's not just about her illustrious career, but the overall impact on her self-belief.
'When you score a goal, when you achieve something, when you put the work in and you get there, there's no feeling like it,' Williams enthused to PEOPLE. She firmly believes that her participation in tennis played a significant role in cultivating her confidence and self-assurance.
The tennis virtuoso acknowledges the immense value of sports in fostering confidence and belief in oneself. According to Williams, 'It's huge. And I don't think anything teaches that as well as sports.' The lessons one learns through sports, such as discipline, perseverance, and teamwork, can contribute to a resilient mindset and a strong sense of self.
Williams also highlights the importance of body confidence, particularly for women. As an advocate for body positivity, she expresses concern about the alarming number of girls who drop out of sports due to body image issues. Shockingly, statistics reveal that worldwide, 45% of girls drop out of sports before the age of 14 because of these challenges. Williams finds this deeply alarming and believes that fostering body confidence is crucial.
She is vocal about being on 'team body confidence' and stresses the necessity of having women in sports. Williams passionately shares her surprise upon discovering these statistics, saying, 'I didn't think those numbers existed anymore. So hearing that was very sobering.'
In Williams' view, developing a healthy level of confidence is an essential factor that helps individuals shift their focus and succeed. It is precisely what young girls need to overcome societal pressures and flourish in their passion for sports and life. A strong, confident mindset can provide them with the tools to navigate challenges and strive for greatness.
As part of her commitment to promoting body confidence and inspiring young athletes, Williams has taken on the role of flag football coach in collaboration with DOVE. Through her involvement, she aims to share her experiences, stories, and insights gained from her sports career and personal journey.
Williams firmly believes that the language of sport is universal. Whether it is tennis, football, or any other athletic pursuit, the values and lessons learned cut across disciplines. In her illustrious career, Williams has amassed an impressive record of achievements, including seven Grand Slam singles titles, 14 Grand Slam doubles titles alongside her sister Serena Williams, and two Grand Slam mixed titles. Her unparalleled success serves as a testament to the positive impact of sports on building confidence and achieving greatness.
Venus Williams, a true sports legend, continues to be a beacon of inspiration for women and athletes worldwide. Her advocacy for body confidence and her ongoing dedication to promoting the transformative power of sports reflect her belief in empowering individuals to chase their dreams and overcome obstacles.
