I don’t need to tell you what we are told our bodies should look like, do I? You’ve heard it all before.
Skinny, of course. Gap between the thighs, a given. Legs longer than your 9-5 workday and if you could limit your chins to one that would be ideal, thanks.
Except for many of us, that’s not our body. It someone’s body. But it’s not everyone’s.
Listen: Mia Freedman interviews one of Australia’s best female swimmers, Leisel Jones. Post continues after audio.
So, in a realm where mainstream media tends to glorify variations of one overriding, idealised body type that only represents a minority of the female population, watching a swathe of strong, athletic female physiques during the Olympics is transfixing.
These incredible bodies aren’t usually featured and celebrated in such a mainstream context. Bodies that aren’t crafted for us to look at, but are the result of unwavering focus, determination and commitment to one specific goal.
Serena Williams
We all know Serena is one of the greatest female athletes of all time. Her body can do some amazing things.
Melissa Wu
At only 24, Wu has represented Australia in three different Olympics, winning silver in Beijing in 2008 and becoming the youngest Australian ever in history to win an Olympic medal in diving.
