Women have been paving the way in sports since the beginning of time. In recent years, the landscape of women’s sports has undergone a remarkable transformation, with a surge in popularity and media coverage. At the forefront of this renaissance are athletes like basketball sensation Caitlin Clark and track and field star Sha’Carri Richardson, whose extraordinary talents have captivated audiences worldwide.

Yet, amidst this growing recognition, Irish track and field champion Sharlene Mawdsley has offered a thought-provoking perspective on media portrayal that could fundamentally reshape the narrative surrounding women in athletics. What did the European Champion say, and why was it so shocking?

Track and field star Sharlene Mawdsley speaks up about media portrayal

In a conversation with IMAGE magazine, Sharlene Mawdsley discussed the biggest barrier to driving visibility in women’s sport. She said, “I think maybe how the media portray it. There are so many platforms promoting women in sport, but should this have to happen? It should be equal, but instead people are having to promote it to try and get an even playing field.” 

Her comment highlights how the media’s portrayal is still not the same as it is with their male counterparts. When answering about the stigma around women in sports, she says, “I think it’s definitely becoming better now that people are speaking about it more, but of course I don’t believe across all sports there is a 50/50 male to female balance.“

Her candid take isn’t the only reason she’s currently on everyone’s mind. Mawdsley recently participated in the 4x100m mixed relay at the 2024 European Athletics Championship in Rome and ran the final leg, blazing her way to the finish line with a 49.40 split. Her stellar performance helped her and her team secure a historic win with a final time of 3 minutes 9.92 seconds setting a new national record. 

The disbelief on Mawdsley’s face after crossing the finish line matched the look of every Irish fan in the stands. She even took to her social media to celebrate the win, “Everything I’ve ever dreamed of 🥹💚 European mixed 4×400 champions 😭😭😭.” This was Ireland’s first European gold since 1998. 

The rise of women in sports: Caitlin Clark and Sha’Carri Richardson’s push for change

When compared to the attention Richardson and Clark have garnered, Mawdsley’s take portrays a perspective many other athletes have previously shared. Caitlin Clark, a basketball prodigy from the University of Iowa, has redefined the collegiate game with her exceptional scoring prowess and playmaking abilities. Her performances have not only elevated women’s college basketball but have also ignited discussions about the potential evolution of the WNBA.

Similarly, Sha’Carri Richardson has emerged as a force in global track and field, her blistering sprint times and confident demeanor challenging preconceived notions and drawing attention to the often-underappreciated realm of women’s athletics. As Sha’Carri Richardson gears up for the upcoming track and field championship, her influence on women’s sports is incontestable.

However, if Sharlene Mawdsley’s advocacy for media recalibration gains traction, we may be witnessing the genesis of a true revolution in women’s sports. While we can celebrate the strides Caitlin Clark and Sha’Carri Richardson have made, we are also reminded of the uphill battle for equal opportunity and recognition to become the norm.