Photo Credit: ShutterstockWith the Tokyo Olympic Games serving as a symbol of international sportsmanship over the past few weeks, many are witnessing the professionalism, perseverance, and unwavering strength showcased by athletes all over the globe. While these Olympians are no strangers to the force of determination and drive, mental health care and awareness have come to light as one of the key yet controversial topics resulting from these rigorous conditions.
Although American tennis star Serena Williams did not compete in the recent games, she continues to thrive with her devotion to the beloved sport and her other projects in the public sphere. While fearless strength and ferocity are often ideals associated with the acclaimed professional athlete, she has also sparked public discourse surrounding mental health challenges along with tennis player Naomi Osaka and gymnast Simone Biles. Now serving as an ambassador for Secret’s "Just #WatchMe” campaign, Williams is advocating for a strengthened source of support for the next generation of girls in athletics.
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Secret’s “Just #WatchMe” campaign in collaboration with Serena Williams showcases a need for support of young female athletes. Social pillars the campaign strives to bring to light are the challenges girls face growing up in relation to athletics opportunities. According to the campaign, young girls are twice as likely to quit sports than boys are. Additionally, it is reported that some collegiate academic institutions are not even allocating a quarter of their budget towards female sports.
In addition to serving as a stellar role model for young girls across the world, Williams has also been praised for her outspoken support of social justice. Advocating for both gender and racial equality in sport, she claims, “Our athletes shouldn’t have to feel like they aren’t being supported.”
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Aside from outward expression of care, Williams also emphasizes the cruciality of self-care. With four Olympic gold medals to her name, she claims self-care is paramount in the face of the high-pressure circumstances that come with the title of a consistent champion. “We should always be making space for [wellness], it should be something that is so automatic that we don’t even have to think about it,” Williams explains. “Having a balanced view of everything is super key.”
The renowned tennis champion’s personal preference for a way to unwind is karaoke. As uncharacteristic as that may initially seem for an athlete, Williams carries an appreciation of ‘90s music and has a dedicated karaoke room in her Florida residence. “Having different interests [is] important,” she states. “You just don't want to go overboard because you can burn out.”
Ultimately, Serena Williams offers young girls the same advice she gives herself: “Enjoy what you do! It should be fun. It shouldn't only be a job.”
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