By: MARK COHEN • social responsibility • 20.06.2022

Getting fit and enjoying the outdoors isn’t reserved for the few, but a right to be enjoyed by the many. From seasoned runners to those doing their first 5k. Avid hikers to people just discovering the wonders of moving in merino. The simple joy of movement - wherever and however you choose to do it - unites us all. Because one way or another, there's an everyday athlete inside all of us.

To that end, we're now on an ongoing journey to celebrate the diversity of everyday athletes. During Pride, we're excited to share content from different influencer partners united by a simple message: "no matter what. Be proud to be an everyday athlete." By sharing it, we hope to continue celebrating diversity in sport. To help each everyday athlete feel supported in a community that's welcoming and authentic.

Below, find everyday athlete stories who - today and every day - celebrate diversity and the simple beauty of being fit. We hope you enjoy them.

#1: https://www.instagram.com/kandykoat/

"I'm proud to be an everyday athlete. For me, the extra hours and the soreness. It’s all worth it.

Pride in sport means no discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community. Sport is for all. No matter what your limits or what people label you.

Wear your diversity with pride."

#2: https://www.instagram.com/trianils/

"Pride means feeling good in my body and being able to do any sport I feel like, be it yoga, CrossFit or cycling. Whatever you enjoy doing, no matter what others say about you or what you do, be proud of yourself. That's what this month is about to me."

#3: https://www.instagram.com/noranova_/

"When I’m active - I‘m proud. Cause that’s what it’s all about. Let’s forget about the surface and reflect on what’s deep inside.

Feel that #pride in being you - no matter how you do.

It’s not about the I am, it’s about the I feel. Sport is for all. Wear your diversity with pride."

#4: https://www.instagram.com/anselmoprestini_/

"I've lost many races in the course of my sporting career: on skis, on the board, in the gym. But through it all, I never gave up. In sport, you learn to accept outcomes that you can't quite control. To find ways to improve, to face everyday life no matter what.

In every defeat there is always a new challenge. It doesn't matter what your limits are, it matters how you deal with them.

Sport is for all. Wear your diversity with pride."

#5: https://www.instagram.com/seraplicious/

"Every person is an individual. We all deserve equal levels of worth and respect. I find a lot of strength and positivity in sport. It's helped me through some tough times. Which is why I continue to stay active.

Sport is for all. Wear your diversity with pride."

#6: https://www.instagram.com/stevenepprecht/

“Why am I proud to be an athlete? In the past, I couldn’t always show 100% of the real me. Being gay wasn’t easy for me, because I thought I had to hide and play a different role to be accepted.

But what’s normal? Everyone should be able to be whoever they want to be.

I wasn’t always as self-confident as I am today. I wasn’t confident about my body, nor with my sexuality. And what always helped me to feel powerful and strong was to train and to transform negative energy into something good.

So today, I can say that I am #ProudToBeAnAthlete and even more proud of the man I’ve become.”