Breaking the Taboo: Menstruation in Sports
In February 2023, golfer Tiger Woods handed fellow player Justin Thomas a tampon after outdriving him. The act wasn’t just tasteless; it reinforced a harmful stereotype - that menstruation somehow weakens performance and makes women less capable athletes.
The stigma around menstruation in sports persists, even in our so-called modern era.
According to a survey by menstrual product charity Share the Dignity, 68% of Australian women have missed sports due to their period. Researchers are concerned that this attitude begins in primary school, where young girls internalise the message that periods are a barrier.
Periods aren’t a weakness - they’re a natural part of life. To create a healthier sports culture, we need to talk openly about menstruation. At Be Sélene, we’re inspired by the international athletes who use their platforms to challenge these taboos. Let’s explore some of their stories.
Tyler Wright: Surfing Through the Pain
Two-time world surfing champion Tyler Wright has faced severe menstrual pain head-on. In June 2023, just three days before the Surf Ranch Pro event in California, she was hospitalised for excruciating period pain. Despite being bedridden and unable to eat, Wright competed.
Her story highlights the resilience of female athletes and the need for better menstrual health management. Wright now follows a tailored training program that syncs with her menstrual cycle, focusing on recovery and injury prevention during vulnerable times.
Her candid approach reminds us that menstrual health should never be sidelined in sports.
Dina Asher-Smith: Calling for Research and Funding
During the 2022 European Championships, sprinter Dina Asher-Smith experienced calf cramps during the 100m final, which she attributed to her menstrual cycle. “It is a huge topic for women in sport,” she said, “and it could do with more funding because if it was a men’s issue, we’d have a million different solutions by now.”
Asher-Smith’s bravery in speaking up draws attention to the urgent need for research and resources to better support female athletes.
Watch Dina’s powerful discussion on the topic below
Lydia Ko: Normalising Period Talk on the Golf Course
Golfer Lydia Ko broke ground in May 2022 when she openly discussed her period during the Palos Verdes Championship. After receiving treatment for back tightness, Ko told a reporter, “It’s that time of the month. I know the ladies watching are probably like, yeah, I got you.”
Her honesty earned widespread praise and was a significant step toward normalising menstruation in professional sports.
Watch Lydia talk more about her journey below
Li Meizhen: Running Through the Stigma
Li Meizhen, a 25-year-old marathon runner from China, showcased incredible resilience and courage when she unexpectedly began her period midway through a marathon in Hebei, China in October 2023. Despite visible menstrual blood on her thighs and the discomfort it caused, she continued running and completed the 42-kilometer race without stopping.
Her determination sparked widespread conversation on social media, challenging the stigma around menstruation in sports. Many applauded her for breaking the silence and demonstrating that periods should never be a source of shame.
Li’s story is a powerful reminder that menstruation is a natural part of life and should not be seen as a hindrance. By continuing her race, she inspired athletes worldwide to embrace their bodies unapologetically.
Watch Li Meizhen’s inspiring marathon finish below
The Bigger Picture: Tackling Gender Taboos
Menstruation is just one of many taboos in sports. Athletes like Simone Biles and Serena Williams have been vocal about mental health, body image, LGBTQ+ rights, and motherhood - issues often shrouded in silence. Each of these challenges feeds into a broader narrative about gender equality in sports, and each deserves our attention.
Encouraging open dialogue about these topics doesn’t just empower female athletes - it benefits everyone. When women are supported to thrive, the whole sports world evolves.
The Path Forward
Talking about menstruation—and other stigmatised issues—empowers women to work with their bodies rather than feeling hindered by them. By fostering understanding, we can eliminate the shame that often ostracises girls and women from sports.
While we’ve seen progress, like the gender-equal Paris 2024 Olympics (where 50% of athletes were women), there’s still work to be done. Education is key, and conversations like this are where it begins.
Let’s Keep Talking
At Be Sélene, we’re committed to breaking taboos around menstruation and empowering women to stay active with confidence. Join the movement and let’s rewrite the story - one period at a time. Discover our elegant, French-inspired, comfy and leak-proof period underwear manufactured locally in Melbourne at a studio that works to uplift women.