World Women's Day Interview with Lidia

Hello dear Lidia, could you briefly tell us who you are and what motivated you to share your story?

My name is Lidia, 28 years old and I am a passionate bodybuilder. I wanted to share my experiences because I firmly believe that shared stories can be a source of inspiration and strength for all of us. I also think that with my experience I can encourage other women to go their own way and achieve their goals.

What aspects of your life and personality define you the most?

Sport is an essential, if not the most important part of my life and also a reflection of my personality. This lifestyle has taught me a lot. Bodybuilding is a lifestyle that fascinates me personally, especially the topic of discipline. Success in bodybuilding depends entirely on your own performance and, above all, willpower, both in the gym and outside. This level of performance can also be transferred to other areas of life.

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What does it mean to you to be a woman?

For me, being a woman means being able to do everything but not having to do anything. To be capable of anything and not have to conform to stereotypes imposed by society. A woman can achieve anything she wants. That's why I see bodybuilding as a kind of message: I shaped my body in my own image. For me, being a woman also means being sensitive, empathetic, emotional, sensual and intuitive and at the same time being strong, decisive and full of energy and being perceived as such. Unfortunately, the latter is sometimes only possible with a lot of effort and struggle.

Bodybuilding is still a sport in which women are less represented than men. Have you experienced any prejudice or challenges in this sport because of your gender? If so, how do you deal with it?

Fortunately, I encounter less and less prejudice, but I think the biggest challenge was with statements like: "I think it's great that you're so active in sports, but don't do too much, don't get too muscular!" to deal with. I felt that women are expected to conform to an ideal image and muscles are not part of this ideal image because they are considered "masculine". It was difficult at the beginning to counteract this and go my own way.

What impact does sport have on your self-confidence, your mental strength and your self-perception?

Sport has a very big effect on my self-perception and my self-love. I dedicate this time to myself, realize myself and get to know my body in a completely new way. In the long term, you develop a trusting relationship with your body and strengthen your confidence in your own abilities. You dare to do things that you used to admire other people for. Achieving goals makes you happy and this feeling never wears off. Sport increases your physical well-being and your psychological well-being equally! And that is directly related to self-confidence: Anyone who feels comfortable in their own body automatically appears more self-confident.

What was the most impressive moment that particularly encouraged you on your path?

There is no single moment. I think it's the sum of all the moments that make this path so special. But if I had to choose one moment, it would be the competitions. There you get confirmation from experts for your lifestyle. That's how it was in my first competitive season, when my hard work was recognized by a good placing.

Is there any advice or tips you can give other women who are considering starting bodybuilding or entering a male-dominated sport?

Women should definitely not let society hold them back. It is important to realize your own dreams and follow your own path. We women are capable of anything and should have the courage to just do it without looking left or right. If it makes you happy, then do it. And more importantly: no person should be discriminated against or disadvantaged because of their gender.

What changes or developments would you like to see to promote gender equality both in everyday life and in sport?

It is important that we get rid of this black and white thinking, but also show more solidarity among women, exchange ideas and encourage each other to dare to try new things.

What inspiration would you like to give other women?

I want to inspire every woman to live her dreams and design her life according to her wishes. Just go your own way and don't let self-doubt stop you. If we want to lead a free, self-determined life, we have to stand up for it and act. In order to live happily in the long term, we have to value ourselves, get out of our comfort zone and try new things.

What does World Women’s Day mean to you?

Being a woman is a superpower. In a world characterized by growing differences and increasing extremes, we should work for cohesion. For us, Women’s Day is not only an occasion to celebrate, but also an opportunity to promote cohesion among women.