Episode 016: Track Sprinter Shelby Walter Talks the Sexualization of Athletes

November 21, 2014 0 Comments

Hi Friends, This week friend of the shop and upcoming track all-star Shelby Walter visits with the gang as we discuss the sexualization of female cyclists and athletes across the board. Recently, a handful of local track athletes were photographed during the local Los Angeles Gran Prix with final edited photos posted publicly on Facebook. Quite noticeably the female cyclists were air brushed, photoshopped, "softened," and feminized. Predator's Nissy was included as one of the airbrushed pictures and it caused quite the conversation around the shop. Our episode guest Shelby also interpreted the portraits as the sexualization of female athletes instead of the ill-intentioned attempt at attracting fans to the sport through attractive role models. While the girls were stirred up we decided to discuss female athletes overall and the differences between media-focused, hyper sexed "girl power" feminism and accurate training, body definition, and likeness as compared to athleticism and success. Obviously it's a huge topic and no one has the "right" answer. Since the posting of this podcast, the athletes have reached out to the photographer and the pictures have been removed from social media. What are your thoughts about women in sports media? What is the message you want to relay to the public as an athlete? Happy Friday! *UPDATE* All photos associated with this episode have been removed.