For too long, being fit and healthy often meant conforming to a narrow, unattainable beauty standard. However, female athletes at the 2024 Olympics are showing that this concept is more inclusive.

True fitness transcends appearance; it’s about showcasing strength, endurance, and agility despite each athlete’s unique physique. At the games, we can see how every body type has advantages, encouraging us to embrace and celebrate the myriad ways health and fitness can manifest.

Check out these fit and healthy athletes at the Olympics

Boxers: Power and endurance in every frame

When you think of boxing, lean and sinewy figures ducking and weaving in the ring often come to mind. But look again—today, female boxers at the Olympics are changing the game by showcasing a wide range of physiques, from Claressa Shields to Imane Khelif. Middleweight boxer Shields shows that muscle mass and power go hand in hand. Her ability to deliver knockout punches with incredible force underscores that fit and healthy encompasses a variety of physiques, each bringing unique strengths to the sport.

The controversy surrounding Khelif, who was initially discriminated against due to a purportedly “non-feminine” physique, sparked controversy about what it means to be a fit and healthy woman. The Algerian boxer’s powerful build challenges outdated stereotypes, showing that strength and athleticism aren’t confined to a single body type.

Gymnasts: Grace and strength redefined

Gymnastics has long been associated with slim, petite bodies performing gravity-defying feats. Yet, the 2024 Games are showcasing gymnasts who break this mould. Simone Biles, hailed as the greatest gymnast of all time, has a powerful and muscular build that enables her to execute complex routines with unmatched precision and strength. Italian gymnast Alice D’Amato, who won bronze in the balance beam final, does not fit the traditional skinny gymnast body type either. Her strength and agility have allowed her to excel at the game, proving that excellence in this sport comes in many forms. The sport has now progressed to embrace a broader range of body types because we can see that there’s no singular way to embody athletic excellence.

Swimmers: Diversity in the pool

With his elongated limbs and wingspan, Michael Phelps has been said to have the perfect swimmer’s body. While his body type can be advantageous, swimmers like Katie Ledecky, who has a more muscular build, dominate long-distance events with incredible endurance and strength. She can go long distances in the pool without tiredness because she barely uses her legs and only puts power in her arms. Swimmers’ bodies adapt to their specialisations, whether it’s the explosive power needed for sprints or the sustained energy for distance events. This adaptability illustrates that there’s no perfect swimmer’s body—just the perfect body for each individual’s event.

Football: Strength, speed, and skill

Football showcases various body types, each optimised for different aspects of the game. Players like Asisat Oshoala demonstrate a blend of speed, endurance, and technical skill with a lean but muscular physique that supports intense 90-minute matches. Defenders like Wendie Renard use their height and strength to dominate aerial battles and physical duels. Meanwhile, midfielders like Grace Geyoro exhibit incredible stamina and ball-handling skills, crucial for controlling the pace and flow of the game. These athletes show that football excellence comes in many forms.

Weightlifting/Wrestling: Power in every shape

Weightlifting and wrestling are striking examples of how diverse body types can achieve incredible feats of strength. Nigerian weightlifter Adijat Olarinoye and wrestler Blessing Oborududu have powerful, muscular builds that enable them to lift extraordinary weights and take down their opponents. Olarinoye, who has earned acclaim for her performances in the 55kg category, exemplifies how strength and power can be packed into a compact frame. Her precise technique and immense power highlight that excellence in weightlifting is about much more than size alone. Oborududu, ranked as the number one female wrestler, also represents the incredible diversity of athleticism in strength sports. Her robust, muscular build is tailored to maximise power and resilience. There’s no ideal body type in weightlifting or wrestling—only the ideal body for each individual’s strengths.

Embracing all shapes and sizes