The Crisis in Girls’ Sports with Lauren Fleshman and Linda Flanagan

05/25/23 • 55 min

In a live conversation taped at the 92nd Street Y in New York City, Malcolm and his Martian friend consult athletes Linda Flanagan and Lauren Fleshman on how to level the proverbial playing field. What would they ban from youth sports: Coaches? Parents? Uniforms? Whatever it takes to bring the love of the game to everyone.

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05/25/23 • 55 min

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Revisionist History - The Crisis in Girls’ Sports with Lauren Fleshman and Linda Flanagan

Transcript Summary

In this compelling episode titled "The Crisis in Girls’ Sports," the speakers explore the challenges faced by young female athletes and the impact of parental involvement in sports. They discuss the negative effects of parental pressure on coaches and the need for educational programs to bridge the gap between parents and coaches. The speakers highlight the importance of normalizing the performance trajectory of female athletes and abolishing the pressure for immediate success. They also address the issue of revealing uniforms, which contribute to body image issues and a narrow definition of success. The podcast delves into the role of college scholarships in neutralizing parental pressure and suggests implementing top-down changes, such as mandatory coaching education and banning scholarships. Finally, they examine the need for grassroots movements and empowering girls to bring about change in the sports system. Overall, this episode offers a thought-provoking perspective on the crisis in girls' sports and provides insightful solutions for fostering equality and positive experiences for young female athletes.

Transcript

Speaker 100:00:15.316

Pushkin. Hello, Hello, Malcolm Glabo. Here, we're back with another conversation from our Revisionist History Live series on Mastery. This took place at the ninety second Street Y in New York. As many of you know, I'm a pretty serious runner, and like most competitive runners, I was most running crazy when I was a kid. I started at thirteen, ran through high school and a little in college. It was the single most fun thing I did growing up. Sports

The Crisis in Girls’ Sports with Lauren Fleshman and Linda Flanagan Top Questions Answered

How does parental involvement in sports affect athletes?

Parental involvement in sports allows athletes to shape their own successes and failures.

Why do coaches consider quitting due to parental interference?

Coaches often consider quitting due to the pressure and interference from anxious parents regarding their children's sports performance.

Do parents intervene when there is abuse in sports?

It is noted that parents may not always intervene when there is emotional or physical abuse in sports.

What impact do revealing sports uniforms have on female athletes?

The pressure from revealing sports uniforms can negatively impact female athletes' body image and self-worth.

Do all athletes need a specific body type to succeed?

It is emphasized that not all athletes need to have a specific body type to perform well in sports.

Is early competition necessary for young athletes?

The episode suggests that early competition at a young age may not be necessary or beneficial for athletes.

Why is there a focus on youth championships?

The focus on youth championships is explained to be driven by adult interests rather than athlete development.

Is favoritism an issue in coaching?

Yes, the issue of favoritism in coaching is discussed, with the speaker sharing a personal experience of their high school coach favoring successful athletes.

How can change be brought to women's sports?

The possibility of change in women's sports is debated, including the need for top-down and grassroots initiatives, mandatory coaching education, and parental involvement.