Do Female Athletes Feel Pressure to Be Pretty?

Amanda Beard grew up in the spotlight. She graced the Olympic podium by 14, racked up eight USA Swimming national titles and appeared on the covers of numerous sports and lifestyle magazines. But with the glamour and glory came intense media scrutiny that led her to struggle with body dysmorphia, depression and self-harm. On this episode, Amanda shares her coming-of-age story as a young woman in professional sports. She speaks about pressures specific to female athletes and explains why they can be so harmful. Having found confidence and happiness since her early days in the pool, she also tells us how athletes and their support systems can prioritize self-worth and well-being.

Learn More

• Get the full story from Amanda’s book, In the Water They Can’t See You Cry.
• Check out ESPN’s full study on body image and confidence in Division I athletes.
• Hear sport psychologist Dr Jim Taylor talk about young girls in sport on this Trained episode.