Genevieve Gregson pens open letter to female athletes

Gold Coast-born Olympic steeplechaser Genevieve Gregson has penned an open letter to female athletes as the world continues to be gripped by claims of alleged abuse suffered by athletes with high profile brand Nike.

GOLD Coast-born Olympic steeplechaser Genevieve Gregson has penned an open letter to female athletes in a bid to help them avoid the pitfalls that can threaten to derail careers.

Gregson’s (nee LaCaze) passionate letter, posted on Instagram, comes as the world continues to be gripped by claims of alleged abuse suffered by American distance runner Mary Cain during her time in the Nike Oregon Project track club.

“Dear female athletes,

“Find a strong female role model who you trust and respect. Ask questions, ignore comparisons and take away outside expectations.

“Ask when you are lost or confused. The right people will help or find someone who will listen.

Ophelie Claude-Boxberger of France and Genevieve Gregson of Australia react after competing in the Women's 3000 metres Steeplechase heats during day one of 17th IAAF World Athletics Championships Doha 2019 at Khalifa International Stadium on September 27, 2019 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

“Ignore the seemingly perfect female athlete bodies – there is no such thing. Your body is your greatest gift so don’t be sucked in by the lie that successful athletes have to look a certain way.

“Expectation is a belief that something will or should happen. Don’t let your expectation be hijacked by what society creates. It’s yours to define, no one else’s.

“We need to all stick together and protect our young female runners today so they can lead the way tomorrow.

Genevieve LaCaze of Australia reacts after competing in the Women's 3000 metres Steeplechase heats during day six of the 16th IAAF World Athletics Championships London 2017 at The London Stadium on August 9, 2017 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

“I love my sport, it has made me the strong woman I am today, however I have always had the right women around me.

“Thank you @elzywellings for being a huge influence on me.

“You took your own past experiences (good & bad) and showed me the right way. We all need to lead by example and protect our young runners in the sporting community.”