Women Athletes Share What Running, Strength Training And Yoga Have Taught Them About Success

Women athletes know the value of hard work, perseverance and the unique lessons that come from their training journeys.

Whether it’s mental toughness from running, discipline built through strength training or mindfulness from yoga, the insights these athletes gained through these activities transcend the fitness world. 

Experts predict that global revenue in women’s sports will surpass $1 billion in 2025, reflecting significant growth in a once male-dominated field. 

Solfrid Koanda, a Norwegian weightlifter and Olympic gold medalist, serves as an inspiring example of breaking down barriers in a male-dominated sport. In her interview with EWF Sport, she emphasizes the importance of challenging stereotypes and the power of believing in oneself. 

“I wanted to show that strength has no gender and that women can excel in weightlifting just as much as men can,” says Solfrid. 

Solfrid’s success proves that anyone can achieve greatness if they’re determined and willing to put in the hard work. She encourages others to rise above societal expectations and pursue their dreams with confidence, as the only thing standing between them and success is their own mindset. 

There’s a reason people say that nothing worth having comes easy. Jasmin Paris, the first woman to complete the difficult Barkley Marathons, epitomized the importance of putting in the work. In an interview with The Guardian, she revealed that her success wasn’t a matter of sheer luck but rather the result of months of intense preparation. 

Jasmin dedicated almost three hours every morning to training, pushing her body to its limits and building the endurance necessary to tackle one of the toughest ultramarathons in the world. Her achievement, completing the Barkley Marathons just 99 seconds before the cutoff time, proves that success in any challenging pursuit requires commitment and the willingness to invest countless hours behind the scenes. 

Denise Teperino, known as Durga Devi by her teachers, is one of the top 10 yoga teachers in London, and her perspective on success offers a refreshing take on what matters. In an interview with Boast Magazine, she was asked if there was a connection between yoga and living a successful life. Teperino responded by emphasizing that success is subjective, and everyone has a different definition of what it means. 

While some may chase material possessions or status, she finds her own sense of success in the happiness of helping others. For her, the true measure of accomplishment doesn’t lie in the external achievements but in the inner peace and fulfillment that comes from impacting others’ lives. 

Yoga is the practice of uniting the mind and body, helping to relieve stress and address conditions such as lower back pain. By focusing on the present moment and cultivating awareness, yoga also promotes emotional and mental well-being, making it effective for achieving a balanced and healthy life.

Caster Semenya, the Olympic gold medalist for the 800-meter race, underwent a very public gender verification process. When faced with the demand to lower her testosterone levels through medication, she made the bold decision to refuse. 

Caster is unable to compete, but in an interview with TIME, she shared her perspective on the importance of accepting yourself as you are. Despite the media’s harsh treatment and public scrutiny, Caster emphasizes that true strength lies in standing up for what’s right and never letting the negativity of others define you. 

The experiences of these incredible women highlight that success is more than just talent or opportunity — it’s about resilience, dedication and self-belief. The athlete within you gets to choose what attributes and attitudes make you victorious.