Periods stopped Vanessa participating in sport and she's not alone
Periods significantly hinder disabled women's participation in sports, as highlighted by Vanessa Ozols' experience. Research indicates that a large percentage of disabled girls and women skip sports due to menstruation-related challenges. Improved communication and access to appropriate period products are essential for fostering inclusivity in sports.
- ▪Vanessa Ozols, a national-level swimmer with disabilities, struggled with managing her period and often skipped training.
- ▪A study found that 68 percent of disabled girls and women regularly avoid sports because of their periods.
- ▪Many disabled athletes face challenges with period products due to sensory issues and lack of access, affecting their confidence.
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| Original publisher | ABC News (Australia) |
| Canonical URL | https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-05-31/periods-barrier-disabled-women-in-sport-participation/106726306 |
| Publication time | Sat, 30 May 2026 19:19:04 +0000 |
| Retrieval time | 2026-05-30T19:29:44.116Z |
| Last seen | 2026-05-30T19:29:44.116Z |
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Periods prove a big barrier for disabled women's participation in sportBy Elizabeth WrightTopic:SportSun 31 May 2026 at 5:19amSun 31 May 2026 at 5:19amSun 31 May 2026 at 5:19amDiscovering period swimwear meant Vanessa Ozols didn't have to skip swimming training anymore. (ABC News: Fletcher Yeung)abc.net.au/news/periods-barrier-disabled-women-in-sport-participation/106726306Link copiedShareShare articleWhen she's in the pool, Vanessa Ozols feels safe and accepted for who she is.As a national-level swimmer with a disability, the community the 20-year-old has formed with other Para swimmers in her training squad means everything."I just feel like I have this level of understanding with them, and a strong bond," Ozols told ABC Sport.But it hasn't always felt that way.When Ozols first started…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at ABC News (Australia).