2017 Volume 63 Issue 2 Pages 78-82
The differences between human males and females exist both biologically and sociologically and are known as “sex differences”. Females experience growth spurts 2 years earlier than males, and, subsequently, physical sex differences become prominent owing to female hormones. Therefore, coaches need to fully understand the three conditions that female athletes are susceptible to; these are collectively known as the female athlete triad. From a spiritual perspective, female athletes require a different kind of support than male athletes. For female athletes in other countries, athletic careers following childbirth last longer, and they are assured of work-life balance as athletes. Female athletes are not small male athletes. Thus, similarly nurturing independent female athletes may improve their potential in Japan.
