Karenjeet Kaur Bains, known as Athena on the BBC show Gladiators, has delivered a powerful message to the young women of Birmingham about the importance of representation in sports.
The 29-year-old from the West Midlands is the first South Asian and Sikh gladiator to appear on the cult favourite programme. Speaking at the Girls of Brum sports event at Alexander Stadium, she addressed the stereotypes that often hold women back.
"We've always been given this stereotype that women cannot achieve certain fortes when it comes to sport," Karenjeet said. She noted that women are often steered towards academics and excel there, but emphasised that athletic success is equally attainable.
"We're always pushed into the academics, we're excelling there - I have done that - I'm a chartered accountant," she explained. "With the sporting side of things it's really important to showcase that it is possible."
The champion athlete stressed the need for a strong support system to encourage women to follow their dreams. "Having that support around you just to really cushion that dream is really important - be it your teacher, a friend, or just having someone there," she said.
She urged any hesitant young women to take the leap. "Every single person has this kind of dream and they really want to achieve something when it comes to sport. Just give it a go. Don't crush those dreams because you never know what they could become."
Karenjeet expressed hope that the Girls of Brum event, which brought together hundreds of schoolchildren from across Birmingham, would inspire more young women to participate in sports. "The only reason I made it is hard work, dedication, but I was also given the opportunities. I'm hoping the girls that are here today are not only are as good as I could have been - but hopefully even better - and it opens up the floodgates to many more girls from diverse, minority backgrounds coming forward and smashing it in sport."
