Camille Leblanc Bazinet
There was a time when women were expected to be as skinny as possible to fit into society’s narrow beauty standards. But then CrossFit came along and turned that idea on its head. Suddenly, strong became the new skinny, and women everywhere were embracing the idea that muscles and definition were the new ideal. Athletes like Annie Thorisdottir, Heather Bergeron, and Miranda Oldroyd emerged as role models for women who wanted to be fit, healthy, and strong. These women were no longer interested in being waifish and gaunt; they wanted to be powerful, confident, and packed.
But perhaps the most inspiring of these CrossFit chicks was Camille Leblanc-Bazinet. Not only was she incredibly strong, but she looked real. She didn’t have every last vein in her arms, abs, and traps showing like some of the other athletes; she had the build of someone who was interested in performance over aesthetics. She was strong, confident, and normal.
Camille, a Canadian CrossFit athlete and fitness model, gained worldwide recognition after winning the 2014 CrossFit Games. She began her athletic career as a gymnast and continued competing in track and field, pole vaulting, and weightlifting. Off the field, she is also a licensed chiropractor and works with clients to improve their physical health and performance. She inspired and motivated many women around the world to pursue their fitness goals and live a healthy lifestyle.
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So when The Box magazine published a highly Photoshopped cover photo of Camille that made her look like a flawless, airbrushed model, the CrossFit community was outraged. People accused the magazine of manipulating her body to fit into their narrow standards of beauty.
The magazine offered a half-hearted apology, but the damage was done. Camille had inadvertently sent a message to young women everywhere that being skinny was still the ultimate goal. She missed a perfect opportunity to show that strength and realness are what truly make a woman beautiful. In the end, the lesson is clear: strong is the new skinny, but realness is even better. Embrace your strength and your flaws, and inspire others to do the same.
