4 Teens to Watch in the Summer Olympics

Spring Into Action With Outdoor Sports!

APRIL 6TH, 2021

Spring is in the air! The birds are chirping, snow is thawing, and buds are just starting to bloom across the country. It’s the perfect time of year to build girls up by taking them on an outdoor adventure.

Just about all sports are great for girls, but outdoor sports hold a special place in our hearts because of the adventure factor. Nature adds an element of daring and surprise to any outing, so it’s perfect for teaching girls to be courageous and bold. Here are a few of our favorite spring adventures for girls.

1) Cycling

Cycling is great for girls because you can travel long distances relatively easily. For a spring challenge, try road biking to a destination for a picnic lunch (via a route that feels safe to you, of course), or doing some light mountain biking to a vista point. For more info about biking with girls, check out our guide.

2) Kayaking

Most people think of kayaking as a summer sport, but it doesn’t have to be. Kayaking feels a bit more adventurous in the spring and can be a lot of fun even when it isn’t hot out. Just bundle up in quick drying clothes and a life jacket, and head to a lake near you. Learn more here.

3) Hiking

Hiking makes every list we ever make because it’s fun, inexpensive and accessible. If you’re looking for a truly adventurous hike, consider going out in the rain instead of avoiding it. Just don some rain gear, find a trail that isn’t too muddy and go for it! Check out our site for more info about taking girls hiking.

Spring weather can be unpredictable and there’s an element of risk in every outdoor sport, so always check conditions and talk to local experts to make sure things are safe before heading out.

See you on the trail!

4 Teens to Watch in the Summer Olympics

July 15TH, 2021

Hooray—the Olympic games are almost here! They start Friday, July 23rd, with the opening ceremony at 7am EST/4am PST. We love the Olympics because it’s a great time to expose girls to some extraordinary teens and women.

This year there are many amazing women competing as part of Team USA, but here are four teens to watch:

Sunisa Lee, Age 18

GYMNASTICS

This year Sunisa Lee will be joining legendary Simone Biles on the US gymnastics team. At just 18 years old, Lee is one of the younger women on the team. In 2020 she won an all around silver medal at the national championships. She is also the first Hmong American Olympic gymnast.

Torri Huske, Age 18

SWIMMING

Tori Huske will be going for gold in the 100-meter Butterfly in Tokyo. This Arlington, VA native broke the American record for the women's 100-meter butterfly twice while competing for a spot on the Olympic team.

Brighton Zeuner, Age 17

SKATEBOARDING

The youngest skater to ever win gold at the X Games (at age 13), Zeuner is currently ranked third in the world. She got her start skating at six or seven years old. She recently told the Austin Monthly, "I still feel like a little girl looking up to a lot of skaters. So to be in that position and think that I’m inspiring younger girls—that’s just crazy."

Caroline Marks, Age 19

SURFING

For the first time ever, surfing will be an Olympic sport. This 19-year-old from Florida won her first surfing competition at age 9 and at age 15 became the youngest woman to qualify for the World Surf League Championship Tour. The sexualization of women surfers has sometimes made Marks feel uncomfortable, but as she told NBC Sports, "Everyone comes in different shapes and sizes. I think just owning it and loving yourself and doing it makes you feel good."

You can catch the Olympics on NBC, Peacock and NBCOlympics.com.

Happy viewing!

Sources:

Sunisa Lee

Torri Huske

Brighton Zeuner

Caroline Marks