The Untold Stories of Women in Sports Documentaries

8 June 2025

Sports documentaries have always had a way of captivating audiences. From underdog stories to the fierce rivalries that define legacies, these films offer more than just highlights—they provide a glimpse into the heart and soul of athletes. But there's one area that hasn't always received the spotlight it deserves: the stories of women in sports. Sure, we've seen a few documentaries that touch on the lives of female athletes, but many of their tales remain untold or underappreciated. It’s high time we shine a brighter light on these unsung heroes.

So, why is it that women in sports don't get as much attention in documentaries? Is it because their stories aren't as compelling? Absolutely not. The truth is, the world of women's sports is full of grit, determination, and awe-inspiring tales that deserve to be told. In this article, we dive deep into the untold stories of women in sports documentaries, the challenges they face, and why it's crucial to give them the recognition they deserve.

The Forgotten Pioneers

You know the saying, "behind every great man is a great woman"? Well, in sports, there are countless women whose groundbreaking achievements have often been overshadowed by their male counterparts. Documentaries on sports pioneers tend to focus on male figures—think of Michael Jordan, Muhammad Ali, or Kobe Bryant. But what about the women who broke barriers in their respective fields?

Take Billie Jean King, for instance. Her contribution to tennis and the feminist movement is legendary. Sure, there have been documentaries about her, like Battle of the Sexes, but her story is only one of many. Women like Wilma Rudolph, the track star who overcame polio to become an Olympic champion, or Ann Meyers, the first woman to sign an NBA contract, have stories that are equally worthy of screen time.

But how often do we see documentaries exploring their triumphs and struggles? Not nearly enough. These pioneers not only excelled in their sports but also fought societal norms, sexism, and institutional barriers to pave the way for future generations.

The Struggles Behind the Glory

When we think of sports documentaries, we often focus on the glory—the medals, the championships, the records broken. But for women in sports, the journey to the top is often fraught with unique challenges that are rarely highlighted.

For instance, many female athletes have to fight for basic necessities like equal pay, proper training facilities, and even media coverage. Take the U.S. women's soccer team, for example. Despite being one of the most successful teams in the history of the sport, they had to fight tooth and nail for equal pay. Documentaries like LFG (which follows the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team’s legal battle for equal pay) are a step in the right direction, but there are countless other stories that remain untold.

And it’s not just about the money. Women in sports also have to deal with societal expectations—being scrutinized for their appearance or the way they conduct themselves off the field. The pressure to conform to traditional gender roles can be overwhelming. How often are these struggles depicted in sports documentaries? Not enough. These are the untold stories that deserve to be told.

The Double Standard in Media Coverage

Let’s face it: when it comes to media coverage, men still dominate the sports landscape. Whether it’s in the news, on social media, or in documentaries, male athletes receive the lion’s share of attention. This isn’t just a hunch—it’s backed by research. Studies have shown that women’s sports receive less than 4% of all sports media coverage. That’s a mind-blowing statistic when you consider how many incredible female athletes are out there.

So, what does this mean for sports documentaries? Well, for starters, it means that many incredible stories about women in sports are flying under the radar. If you don’t hear about these athletes in the news or see them on social media, you’re less likely to see a documentary about them.

Remember the Netflix documentary The Last Dance? It was a global sensation, and for good reason—Michael Jordan’s story is iconic. But where’s the female equivalent? Where’s the in-depth documentary about Serena Williams, who’s arguably one of the greatest athletes of all time, male or female? Sure, there have been a few features about her, but nothing on the scale of The Last Dance. Why? The demand is there, but the spotlight is still firmly on men’s sports.

The Impact of Limited Sponsorships

Here’s another aspect of women’s sports that often goes unnoticed: sponsorships. Or more accurately, the lack thereof. In the world of sports, sponsorship deals can make or break an athlete’s career. But the sad reality is that female athletes often struggle to secure the same level of sponsorships as their male counterparts.

This disparity doesn’t just affect their income; it also affects their visibility. When athletes have fewer sponsorships, they’re less likely to appear in commercials, on billboards, or, you guessed it, in documentaries. After all, sponsors are often the ones funding these films. So, if female athletes aren’t getting the same level of financial backing, their stories are less likely to be told.

This is a vicious cycle, and it’s one that needs to be broken. The more visibility female athletes get, the more likely they are to secure sponsorships. And the more sponsorships they secure, the more likely they are to appear in documentaries that showcase their incredible stories.

The Power of Representation

Why does all this matter? Why should we care about the lack of women’s stories in sports documentaries? The answer is simple: representation matters.

When young girls see strong, successful women in sports, it inspires them to dream big. It shows them that they, too, can achieve greatness, no matter the hurdles they might face. But if these stories remain untold, if these athletes remain in the shadows, then those young girls might never realize their full potential.

Documentaries have the power to shape public perception. They can change the narrative and highlight the struggles, sacrifices, and triumphs of female athletes. That’s why it’s so important to tell these stories—to give women in sports the recognition they deserve and to inspire the next generation of athletes.

Documentaries That Have Made a Difference

While there’s still a long way to go, it’s worth mentioning that there are a handful of documentaries that have done justice to women in sports. These films have not only told powerful stories but have also sparked important conversations about gender equality in sports.

One such documentary is Athlete A, which exposes the sexual abuse scandal within USA Gymnastics. This film not only sheds light on the horrific abuse suffered by athletes like Simone Biles but also highlights the systemic issues within the organization that allowed the abuse to continue for so long.

Another example is Venus and Serena, which follows the rise of the Williams sisters in the world of tennis. This documentary does an excellent job of showcasing the challenges they faced as Black women in a predominantly white sport, as well as the fierce determination that fueled their success.

These films are a step in the right direction, but they’re just scratching the surface. There are so many more stories that need to be told—stories of women from all walks of life who have overcome adversity to achieve greatness in sports.

The Future of Women in Sports Documentaries

So, where do we go from here? How do we ensure that the untold stories of women in sports get the attention they deserve? The answer is twofold: we need more filmmakers to take an interest in these stories, and we need the public to demand them.

Filmmakers have a responsibility to seek out untold stories and bring them to the screen. They need to look beyond the obvious choices and delve into the lives of athletes who haven’t yet had their moment in the spotlight. And when these films are made, we, as viewers, need to show our support by watching them, sharing them, and talking about them.

The good news is that we’re already seeing some progress. Streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime are making it easier than ever for independent filmmakers to get their work in front of a global audience. This means that there’s more room for documentaries that might not have gotten the green light from traditional studios.

But it’s not just up to the filmmakers—it’s up to all of us. The more we support and celebrate women’s sports, the more likely we are to see their stories told in documentaries.

Conclusion

The stories of women in sports are every bit as compelling, inspiring, and important as those of their male counterparts. Yet, for far too long, these stories have remained underrepresented in sports documentaries. It’s time to change that. By shining a light on the untold stories of women in sports, we can not only give these athletes the recognition they deserve but also inspire future generations to break barriers and defy expectations.

So, next time you’re browsing for a sports documentary, take a moment to seek out one that tells the story of a female athlete. You might just discover a story that moves you in ways you never expected.