Anna Leigh Waters Menstrual Stigma Sports: World No. 1 pickleball player Anna Leigh Waters is working with U by Kotex to help young female athletes feel confident competing during their periods. At the Select Medical Orange County Cup in California, the 18-year-old won every match and claimed another Triple Crown, all while on her period. Waters hopes her story will show that menstruation doesn’t have to stop girls from playing sports.
Standing Up for Female Athletes
Anna Leigh Waters became known for saying pickleball gives equal chances to men and women. Now, she’s taking that message further. Waters wants to show that having a period doesn’t stop athletes from doing their best.
“Many girls today think playing on their period is a barrier to success, even causing them to drop out of sports entirely. I am proof that periods shouldn’t stop you from competing, chasing your goals, or showing up as your best self – especially when you have the right protection,” (Anna Leigh Waters).
Breaking the Stigma
There is still a lot of shame and discomfort around periods in sports. Girls often feel embarrassed or believe they can’t play well during their cycle. Symptoms like cramps, fatigue, and bloating can affect performance.
But research shared by U by Kotex challenges that belief. Their report says that during their periods, female athletes may actually perform better mentally. The report found women had faster reaction times and better accuracy.
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Winning While on Her Period
Anna Leigh Waters proved this idea true during the Select Medical Orange County Cup. She played every match on her period—and won them all.
“It’s always a rush to win a match, but yesterday’s win was especially rewarding considering I’m on my period,”. “I’m partnering with U by Kotex to inspire more girls to play on their periods and prove that periods don’t hold us back.”(Anna Leigh Waters)
Waters shared that being a professional means she has learned how to compete no matter where she is in her cycle.
Inspired by Other Athletes
Anna Leigh Waters may have found encouragement from fellow athlete Ilona Maher. The Olympic rugby gold medalist met Waters recently at Miami Swim Week. Maher walked the runway in bikinis, even though she was on her period.
“Men think they are tough but they’ll never do Miami Swim Week wearing only bikinis while on their period like I did,” (Ilona Maher said on TikTok).
Her message received wide support and likely encouraged Waters to share her own story.
Encouraging Girls to Stay in Sports
More than 84% of teen girls say they lose interest in sports after they start their period. Around 25% say they feel too embarrassed to stay active while menstruating.
With public support from athletes like Anna Leigh Waters and Ilona Maher, more young girls may begin to feel confident staying in sports no matter what part of their cycle they’re in.
News in Brief: Anna Leigh Waters Menstrual Stigma Sports
Anna Leigh Waters partnered with U by Kotex to show that periods shouldn’t stop girls from playing sports. After winning the Select Medical Orange County Cup while on her period, she hopes to help break the stigma around menstruation in athletics. Other athletes like Ilona Maher are also sharing their stories.
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