The road to greatness isn’t created equal. While some might have it pretty easy to have the spotlight, some others get the spotlight, not without much struggle. Yet for some, even the given spotlight is marred by agony. As if to crystalize this thought, we have the graceful Jordan Chiles. The Mat sensation, despite making great strides for her college and country, is yet to get full recognition for her efforts. But if that wasn’t enough, the star reveals how, despite the medals and the perfect 10s, unwarranted criticism and public scrutiny haven’t left her side.

But don’t make the mistake to think that Jordan is perhaps alone to face these issues. In fact, she is among the multitude of women athletes who have tried to fight in the shadows of recognition. For Chiles, this led to serious issues such as Impostar Syndrome. But instead of simply accepting it, Chiles is ready for a fight. Echoing Tara Davis-Woodhall’s call for change, Chiles’ words highlight a fight that goes far beyond competition.

Her declaration came via an interview with the popular Pop Sugar Media House, which hosted her ahead of International Women’s Day. In answering the question about hopes for women in sports, Chiles shares, “A lot of people do take for granted that as women, we already go through a lot: we go through pain, aches, impostor syndrome, eating disorders, and more.” From eating disorders to self-doubt, the pressure to constantly perform at their peak comes with an invisible weight.

But beyond the competition floor, another challenge looms—recognition. Even when female athletes defy the odds and shatter records, their victories often come with an undercurrent of scrutiny. “The biggest thing is yes, the recognition, but also understanding that when we get recognized or we accomplish something so big, we never know the negativity that’s going to come out of it,” Chiles reveals.

Where men are idolized for their dominance, women are usually objectified by being nitpicked for their bodies, their confidence, or even for their celebrations. One such example is of skiing star Lindsey Vonn, who was criticized when she made a comeback after her injury, while her male counterpart didn’t have to go for any such thing.

Yet female athletes are fighting back. Chiles, alongside others like Tara Davis-Woodhall, is calling for change—not just in recognition but in respect. “Women’s sports deserve the same visibility, coverage, and opportunities as men’s,” Tara Davis-Woodhall shared with Pop Sugars. While athletes always take opportunities to showcase that women are equally worthy as men, only time will tell when things will change for real.

Female athletes fighting back against double standards

Women athletes don’t just compete against their rivals; they battle against a relentless wave of public scrutiny. Their performances are often overshadowed by discussions about their appearances, expressions, and even personal choices—something male athletes rarely face. Jordan Chiles, a world-class gymnast, has experienced this firsthand. “We hope for positivity, but as women, there are a lot of things that people are always going to critique because they want us to be perfect 24/7,” she stated, highlighting the unrealistic expectations placed on female athletes.

While men are often celebrated for their skills alone, women must also navigate a minefield of judgments that extend far beyond their sport. The demand for perfection extends to every aspect of a female athlete’s life, from body image to personal conduct. Chiles, like many before her, has been subjected to body shaming—facing criticism about her physique rather than praise for her abilities. Meanwhile, male athletes with similar body types or features rarely face the same level of scrutiny.

Media narratives further reinforce these disparities. As per the TeamWass report, over the past three decades, women’s athletes received less coverage than men’s. Stats? Sports coverage for women ranges from just 3% to 5.5%, varying between peak events and regular play. It is proof of how hard women athletes work to get recognized, despite giving their sweat and blood to the sport.

The backlash against gymnasts like Jordan Chiles and Simone Biles for prioritizing mental health underscores how women in sports are often expected to endure pressure silently. The burden isn’t just about skill—it’s about meeting impossible standards. While male athletes are allowed off days, women face a different reality: one misstep, one moment of vulnerability, and the narrative shifts. Suddenly, they aren’t strong—they’re “emotional.” They aren’t assertive—they’re “arrogant.” The double standard is impossible to ignore. What is your take? Do tell us in the comments.