Olympic Women: Forces of Nature, Power of Community
During the Olympics, I found myself in Athens, the birthplace of the Games. It was a truly romantic setting, where I felt deeply connected to the origins of this global event. The Olympics began as a showcase for the world’s top athletes—those who trained relentlessly, honed their strengths, and pushed the limits of human capability. But this year, something felt different. Amidst the celebrations, there was an undercurrent of criticism, especially directed toward women athletes who didn’t fit the narrow, outdated norms of what some believe a woman should be.
The very community that should have celebrated these athletes often sought to undermine them. Yet, despite the negativity, these women rose above, building and inspiring communities of their own. This year’s Olympics and Paralympics highlighted extraordinary triumphs, as women athletes pushed boundaries in unprecedented ways. From competing while pregnant to facing criticism head-on, they demonstrated not only physical prowess but the power of resilience, solidarity, and community.
While the Olympics should have been a safe space for support and celebration, it fell short in its protective role, allowing outdated prejudices and scrutiny to take centre stage. Yet, in this adversity, the true Olympic spirit was found—not in the institutions, but in the athletes themselves, who drew strength from their own resilience and the communities they built around them.
So let’s jump in and find the true community stories that surfaced from the Paris Olympics 2024.
1. Imane Khelif: A Boxing Champion Igniting a Movement in Algeria
Imane Khelif’s Olympic gold in women’s boxing didn’t just win her medals; it ignited a cultural shift in Algeria. Despite facing unfounded gender scrutiny during the Games, Khelif has become a national icon. Young girls across Algeria have rallied behind her, taking up boxing in unprecedented numbers. Her success has filled local gyms, where girls as young as eight are inspired to punch their way into a sport once dominated by men.
Khelif’s community influence isn’t just limited to boxing rings—her rise has sparked conversations about gender, societal norms, and women’s rights in conservative circles. By breaking through these barriers, she’s leading a movement for empowerment, and her story resonates far beyond sports.
According to the Economic Times - Former amateur boxer and sports journalist Noureddine Bouteldja explained that Khelif has become more than just a boxer, transforming into a "social phenomenon". In a statement Bouteldja said;
“It’s the victory of a woman who has shown extraordinary resilience and phenomenal strength of character in the face of the campaign to denigrate her gender”
What Did We Learn About Community?
Imane Khelif’s journey showed how resilience in the face of criticism can inspire a movement. By standing up against gender scrutiny and refusing to be silenced, she not only built a following but also sparked a cultural shift in Algeria. Leaders who rise above challenges with integrity inspire trust and empower others to join and contribute to the community.
2. Ilona Maher: Redefining Beauty and Power Through Rugby
Ilona Maher, a standout star from the U.S. women’s rugby team, has used her platform to become a voice for body positivity and confidence. At 5'10" and 200 pounds, Maher has embraced her powerful frame, turning her success on the rugby field into a social media movement for women to love and appreciate their bodies. Her Sports Illustrated swimsuit feature was more than just a photoshoot—it was a bold statement of owning one’s strength, defying narrow beauty standards, and encouraging women to be unapologetically themselves.
Her #beastbeautybrains message has built a community that celebrates both athleticism and authenticity, showing women worldwide that beauty lies in strength, confidence, and breaking boundaries. According to Forbes ‘Sprout Social, a social media management company, said Maher is in the top 1% of all creators for follower growth across Instagram, TikTok and X, formerly known as Twitter.’
In her interview with Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Maher says,”I love that [rugby] showed me what I can do. It showed me how capable my body is and it's not just like a tool to be looked at and objectified.”
“ Ilona’s presence on our cover symbolises a shift in the narrative — one that celebrates not only physical prowess but also the courage to lead, inspire, and advocate for change”
What Did We Learn About Community?
Maher’s example demonstrates how embracing individuality can bring people together. Her boldness in challenging traditional beauty standards has fostered a supportive and inclusive community that celebrates diversity. Community leaders can learn from her approach, realising the importance of creating spaces where individuals feel accepted for who they are, not what society expects them to be.
3. Simone Biles: Champion of Mental Health
Simone Biles’ journey from foster care to becoming the most decorated gymnast in history is not just a story of resilience, strength, and unwavering determination—it’s a powerful symbol of inspiration for people of colour around the world. As a Black woman dominating a sport that has traditionally lacked diversity, Biles has shattered barriers and paved the way for future generations. Her triumphs go beyond the physical; they resonate deeply with young athletes of colour, showing them that success is attainable even in spaces where they are underrepresented.
When Biles withdrew from events at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics to prioritise her mental health, she became a beacon of strength, advocating for mental health awareness in communities where such issues have often been stigmatised or dismissed. Her decision was not only brave but groundbreaking, particularly for Black athletes who often face additional societal pressures to "prove" themselves in predominantly white sports.
Beyond gymnastics, Biles has dedicated herself to causes close to her heart, particularly supporting foster children and advocating for at-risk youth. Through her work with Friends of the Children, she has shown young people from marginalised backgrounds that they can rise above their circumstances and build a future of hope and success.
“She shares her own story about struggling with foster care and her mental health issues and just makes the kids believe that they could do anything, like she has done.”
At the 2024 Paris Olympics, Biles’ comeback after a three-year hiatus reaffirmed her role as an inspiration to people of colour. Winning four medals, including three golds, she not only solidified her place as the most decorated gymnast in history but also inspired a new generation of athletes with her unwavering perseverance and advocacy for mental well-being. Her story is a testament to the power of representation, proving that young athletes of colour can dream big, break barriers, and lead with vulnerability and strength.
Simone Biles is much more than a GOAT—she is a symbol of hope, possibility, and triumph for people of colour, redefining what it means to succeed against the odds.
What Did We Learn About Community?
Simone Biles showed us that prioritising mental health and being open about personal struggles can foster a culture of vulnerability and strength. By sharing her journey openly, Biles encouraged others to be authentic, proving that communities built on honesty and understanding are more resilient. Leaders within communities should create spaces where members feel safe to express their true selves, without fear of judgment.
4. Rachael Gunn: An Underdog’s Creative Spark in Breakdancing
Australia’s Rachael Gunn, known as B-Girl Raygun, may not have won medals during breakdancing’s debut at the Paris Olympics, but her presence had a significant impact. Gunn’s performance, marked by creativity rather than conventional moves, drew both admiration and criticism. Despite being ridiculed online, Gunn responded with grace, emphasising her artistry and individuality in the sport. In an article written in The Guardian she said.
“What I wanted to do was come out here and do something new and different and creative—that’s my strength, my creativity,” Gunn explained. By staying true to her unique style, she cultivated a supportive community of dancers, artists, and fans who value creativity over conformity. "I hope that my performance shows people, especially young dancers, that you don’t have to be like everyone else to succeed."
What Did We Learn About Community?
Gunn’s experience highlights the importance of fostering a community where creativity and individuality are celebrated. Her approach shows that success in a community is not about fitting into a mold but about encouraging others to express their unique talents. Community builders can learn from her emphasis on inclusion and self-expression, which fosters a diverse and vibrant environment.
5. Breaking Boundaries: Competing While Pregnant—Nada Hafez and Jodie Grinham
One of the most inspiring stories from the Paris 2024 Olympics came from Egyptian fencer Nada Hafez, who revealed that she was seven months pregnant while competing. Hafez, a former gymnast and three-time Olympian, reached the round of 16 in women’s sabre, showcasing her unwavering determination. “What appears to you as two players on the podium, they were actually three!” Hafez wrote on Instagram, acknowledging her unborn child as part of her Olympic journey
Para-archer Jodie Grinham similarly made headlines during the Paralympics, competing while 28 weeks pregnant. Not only did Grinham compete, but she went on to win gold in the mixed team compound archery event, becoming the first known pregnant athlete on a Paralympic podium. Her feat was a groundbreaking moment, proving that pregnancy and elite sports are not mutually exclusive
These women join a growing number of athletes pushing boundaries by competing while pregnant, showing that with proper care, female athletes can continue to perform at the highest level during pregnancy. As Dr. Kathryn Ackerman, co-chair of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee's women’s health task force, noted in the Euro News, “Women are dispelling the myth that you can't exercise at a high level when you’re pregnant. If an athlete is in good condition going into pregnancy, it’s safe to work out, train, and compete at a very high level.”
What Did We Learn About Community?
Nada Hafez and Jodie Grinham’s decisions to compete while pregnant reflect the importance of supporting women as they balance multiple roles, including motherhood and career. Their communities rallied behind them, demonstrating that support during critical life moments fosters trust and long-lasting bonds. A strong community is one where members feel supported, especially during times of personal or professional transitions.
Lead, Support, Trust.
The stories of these Olympic and Paralympic women offer powerful lessons about how communities are built, supported, and sustained, even in the face of criticism or adversity. Their journeys teach us five key lessons about creating environments where leadership, trust, support, and solidarity can thrive:
Embrace Authenticity and Vulnerability
Celebrate Uniqueness and Break Norms
Lead by Example
Support Others During Critical Times
Foster Shared Purpose and Empowerment
Across these stories, the common thread is that these women built communities around shared values—whether it was resilience, body positivity, mental health advocacy, or breaking societal norms. A community thrives when its members are united by a shared sense of purpose, where everyone feels empowered to contribute and grow together. Leaders should focus on fostering shared goals and empowering individuals to lead within the community.
Final Thoughts: Rising Above
These athletes, each in their unique way, faced scrutiny but emerged stronger, inspiring communities around the world. Whether it’s Khelif empowering young women in Algeria, Maher challenging beauty standards, Biles advocating for mental health, Gunn championing creativity in breakdancing, or Hafez and Grinham pushing the boundaries of pregnancy in elite sports, they’ve all demonstrated what it means to build, support, and nurture a community. They’ve turned adversity into action, creating spaces where others can thrive, dream, and rise above.
In a world that sometimes seems determined to put limits on women, these Olympians remind us that women don’t just compete—they create. They build communities that uplift, nurture, and inspire future generations. And that is something truly extraordinary.
One final thought and important note to the general public and social media users. If you don’t know these people personally and if you don’t know the absolute truth then you have no place to comment. Do better, be kind. To the public figures and supporting authorities. Do better, protect people. This is why community leaders should be building safer community spaces so the strengths and stories we see in these athletes can be celebrated.
Want to build a safe and caring community let’s chat.