Dani Speegle is a professional athlete and entrepreneur.

By Dani Speegle

As a pro CrossFit athlete, I spend hours in the gym pushing my body to its limits. I do it because it’s what I love. It’s what makes me feel strong inside and out, and that strength is integral to my identity.

But even as a top contender in my sport, I still have had to challenge antiquated female standards, including beauty. Take one look at the comments section of my Instagram page, and it’s clear that we still have some work to do.

My DMs are filled with people telling me I look too “this,” or not enough “that.” Instead of celebrating female strength, some want to tear it down. But if I had internalized these remarks or let them define my path, I wouldn't be where I am today. Too often we are pressured to focus on how our bodies look, not what we are capable of as women. And whether it's in sports or another profession, I know I’m not alone in this. And I want to help other women find that power within themselves, too.

Last year, I launched a brand and campaign called “Girls Who Eat." Its mission is to empower women to take control of their own narrative and their own definition of beauty. Whether it’s in business, sports, wellness, or relationships, women have the power to make an impact on their own lives and the lives around them. They’re capable of facilitating change by demonstrating that we can do it all. “Girls Who Eat” is meant to catalyze that shifting narrative, and it’s only the beginning.

““Too often we are pressured to focus on how our bodies look, not what we are capable of as women. I want to help other women find that power within themselves, too.” —Dani Speegle @dellespeegle #PowerToChangeStories”

Dani Speegle is a professional athlete and entrepreneur. @dellespeegle https://www.facebook.com/dellespeegle/ ; https://www.instagram.com/dellespeegle/ ; https://www.tiktok.com/@_dellespeegle_?lang=en