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"I want every young girl to feel like my grandmother, who’s still playing tennis and walking every day at 82. I want them to understand the lifelong benefits of staying active."
Many young girls stop playing sports at a pivotal time in their lives when it could greatly benefit their health, confidence, and mental well-being. The reasons vary, but Australian Olympic Race Walker, Jemima Montag knows them firsthand. That's why she founded Play On—an organisation dedicated to keeping girls in the game.
Through her experience as an athlete, and as a young girl, Jemima has seen the barriers that girls face, especially as they transition from childhood to adolescence.
In this conversation, she reflects on the importance of staying in sport, the value of pushing boundaries, and how her initiative Play On is making a difference for the next generation of women.
Jemima Montag's Journey: Overcoming Barriers in Sport
The experiences that Jemima had playing sport as a young girl were the spark that led her to create Play On. "I started questioning my place on the sporting field at 16," Jemima says. "There were so many challenges—body image issues, menstrual cycles, self-doubt—and I wasn't sure how to keep going."
She also points to the need for girls to have access to proper health literacy and support. "Young girls need knowledge about their changing bodies," she emphasises. "That's why Play On focuses on key issues like female athlete health, body image, nutrition, and confidence."
The Importance of Confidence for Young Girls in Sports
As Jemima's career evolved, she realised just how important it is for young girls to have the confidence to continue playing sport. Despite the evidence of clear benefits, by the age of 14 girls drop out of sports at twice the rate of boys*.
"It's about helping girls manage challenges like body image or periods," Jemima shares. "I want to give them the advice I wish I had, like how to stay active during menstrual cycles and how to build confidence."
Having the confidence to play sport was pivotal in the course of Jemima's life. She grew from being an unsure teenager to a world-class athlete. "Going from someone who questioned herself to someone who can stand on an Olympic start line and say, 'Nothing can scare me now,' has been the result of years of building confidence."
The Role of Role Models in Empowering Girls in Sports
Having highly visible role models is vital to help show young girls their potential.
"The 2023 Matildas and the growth of AFLW have shown young girls that women can excel in sport. When you see women in the media, on billboards, and at the top of their games, it makes the dream feel real," she explains.
This visibility creates a tangible example of what young girls can aspire to.
It's one of the reasons why Play On sees Olympic and Paralympic female athletes visit schools across Victoria, presenting four key modules that research suggests are the keys to girls' participation in physical activity.
Those themes are; female athlete health, body image, nutrition, and inclusive environments.
Sideline Chat with Jemima Montag
Advice for Girls Struggling with Self-Doubt
For young girls struggling with their confidence, Jemima has two pieces of advice: "First, don't wait for confidence to come before you take the first step. Just start. Over time, as you build competence, your confidence will follow."
She also emphasises the importance of a support network whether that's in the team or at home. "Even if it's an individual sport, you need a team behind you," she shares. "During tough moments, my family has been my support, helping me push through when I doubted myself."
How Women in Sports Are Challenging Gender Norms and Creating Social Change
Jemima believes sport has a huge role to play in creating social change. "When we see more women in diverse roles—like referees or administrators—we challenge gender norms from a young age," she explains. "This can lead to a cultural shift where girls understand from the outset that women have power and autonomy in sport."
While gender equality has made significant progress in recent years, Jemima acknowledges there is more work to do, particularly in areas like pay and equal opportunity. "Women's sport deserves better investment and attention," she says. "But we also need to ask girls what they want. They have the answers."
Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games: A Huge Moment for Australian Girls
Looking to the future, Jemima is very optimistic. "I hope that by the time the Olympics come to Brisbane in 2032, we'll see a cultural movement where young girls have role models in sport—both women and men—and we'll have packed stadiums for women's games." She believes that investing in women's sport now and supporting girls in sport at all levels is key to making that future a reality.
She adds "We can create an environment where young girls want to stay in the game, whether at the recreational or elite level. That's the legacy I want to leave for the next generation."
Why Language Matters for Girls in Sport
How we speak to young women can truly inspire them. Sometimes, however, it can prevent them from continuing to play sport. "I remember a moment in grade six when I was told I didn't belong on the soccer field because of my body. It hurt, but it made me more determined to keep going," she recalls.
"Positive language can have a huge impact on a girl's confidence, and that's why I'm passionate about creating a more inclusive and welcoming environment in sport."
Jemima Montag's vision for the future of women's sport is one where girls can confidently stay in the game, regardless of the challenges. Through Play On and her own example, she is showing the world how powerful sport can be—not just for physical health, but for personal growth, empowerment, and social change.
As more girls see themselves in roles of power and visibility in sport, the world of sport will continue to evolve into a more inclusive and equal space for all.
A Final Thought
Jemima concludes "I want every young girl to feel like my grandmother, who's still playing tennis and walking every day at 82. I want them to understand the lifelong benefits of staying active."