Dads: Important role models for female athletes

While I know that not all female athletes have fathers (nor do they need them to be successful), I find it important on this Father’s Day to recognize the positive impact dads can have on the female athlete experience.

First, it’s important to point out that men make up the majority of female athlete coaches. While I understand the Women’s Sports Foundation’s POV on this issue continues to (rightfully) focus upon the lack of women in the profession (which is a problem), I also believe it’s important to talk about the men who do coach girls. Often times, these men are dads: supportive role models who have a vested interest in a woman’s future as an athlete.

Take, for instance, fathers like Richard Williams, the father of Serena and Venus, two of the most well-known tennis players in the world. Serena and Venus’ careers started on the Compton public tennis courts, where her father encouraged their development.

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Neben Overcomes Cancer, Joins U.S. Cycling Team

Nine months ago, when Amber Neben was diagnosed with skin cancer, she thought there was no chance to make it to Beijing this year. She had similar luck back In 2004, when she tested positive for an illegal supplement and was forced out of the Athens Games.  However, beating the odds of her diagnosis this year, Neben was among the final three women chosen to the U.S. Olympic cycling team.

Thursday’s moves complete USA Cycling’s 24-rider roster for the Beijing Games. Neben and Christine Thorburn join Kristin Armstrong on the women’s road team, while McConneloug will ride alongside Georgia Gould in the women’s mountain bike race.

But nobody has quite the background story as Neben. When her 2007 season came to a close, she came across what she thought was a harmless spot on her back. When she got it checked by a doctor, she learned it was melanoma. Fortunately, since it was caught early, the cancer hadn’t spread. Therefore, she kept plugging away at her goal of training for 2008 in Beijing.

She told ESPN,

“I’m an Olympian. I mean, wow, I’m an Olympian,” Neben said. “How many people can say they’re an Olympian? How many people dream of being in this position? I’m going to the Olympics. And it has been a long road, about perseverance and persistence and prayers and everything. It hasn’t been an easy road, but I’m at that point now, and it feels fantastic.”

While I can’t approve of her “tainted” suspension back in 2004, I can say with confidence that she serves as a role model.

She should be using her voice now to spread the word about the dangers of skin cancer and the importance of checking your body and visiting your doctor, so you can catch melanoma early and still achieve your dreams.

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