A recent study published in Sex Roles highlights the experiences of women athletes and coaches in traditionally male-dominated strength sports like Olympic weightlifting, powerlifting, CrossFit, and strongman. Researchers found that women in these fields confront societal expectations about femininity and strength while navigating challenges related to body image, relationships with male athletes and coaches, and underrepresentation in the sport. Despite these obstacles, the women expressed empowerment through their participation. Strength sports remain predominantly male-dominated, with limited representation of women as athletes, coaches, and leaders. Women face societal stereotypes that label muscularity and physical strength as masculine traits, perpetuating barriers to participation and recognition in these fields. Previous research has shown that women in male-dominated sports are often subjected to discrimination, exclusion from key networks, and systemic bias, particularly in coaching roles. The researchers aimed to explore how women athletes and coaches experience these dynamics in strength sports, which have been slow to integrate women into their traditions. “I’ve always been interested in why and how people participate in sport. As a weightlifter myself, my own …