Fear of judgement is real for so many women, regardless of their level of success or achievement on and off the sporting field. Elisabeth Quinn, a high ranking official in the Australian Navy, as well as a coaching scholarship recipient at Richmond Football Club and Level One AFL coach, has suffered her own mental demons when it comes to being active.

“Whether it’s the running track, or a running path or in a gym, it is definitely something that I’ve faced and remain, to this day, very conscious of, particularly in the Defence Force. You know, there’s this public image of fit, active, healthy role models.”

Active as a child and young adult, Quinn admits the challenge to remain so, became harder the more she worried about the journey of others, rather than her own.

“So many of my friends were fitter, or more active, or better sports people.” As a result, Quinn became intimidated and subsequently, unmotivated to be active, leading to a vicious cycle.

“I was slower and maybe a bit heavier. My health and fitness had really dropped off quite a bit, and that had an affect on my health and overall well-being, as well as my mental health.”

Determined not to be beaten, the Aussie Rules coach and enthusiast found ways around her challenges and in doing so, reconnected with so many of the benefits an active lifestyle offers.

“Sport is a tremendous vehicle for social inclusion and self improvement. I was able to really embrace loving being active again and all the benefits that come with that.”

“If it is your day one and you’re a long way from your goal, just keep moving. Forward momentum is really improvement”, says Quinn. “You’re only competing against yourself and you can’t compare your day one to some else’s day 500, or where they are in their journey, and how for and fast they are. It is really important to understand where you are and where you want to be, and not compare that to anyone.”

VicHealth’s This Girl Can Victoria campaign, in which Richmond Football Club is a proud partner of, is about encouraging women to be active, regardless of how fit or fast they are, or how they look, or how sweaty they get.

Adds Quinn, “this girl can do whatever she wants.”

Richmond Football Club is a proud partner of VicHealth’s This Girl Can Victoria campaign, celebrating women who are all kinds of active. Women who are giving it their all, or giving it a go, but not giving a damn!