Canadian Olympic swimmer Penny Oleksiak says there's 'stigma' that female athletes 'aren't at top performance' when menstruating

Canadian Olympic athlete Penny Oleksiak is speaking out on an issue that impacts girls and athletes: periods. The 24-year-old is featured in a new swimwear campaign for KT by Knix (a subset of the Canadian brand for teens and tweens) modelling a collection of period swimwear. The campaign is meant to help teens feel confident while navigating the challenges of having their period — and not let it stop them from participating in activities like swimming.

In a recent interview with Yahoo Canada, the 24-year-old athlete — and Canada's most decorated Olympian — said she alters her training during different stages of her menstrual cycle.

"There is a stigma when being on your period that you aren't at top performance," Oleksiak said.

To ensure she remains at the top of her game, Oleksiak said she focuses on less intense workouts like yoga or Pilates. She also adjusts her diet to support her energy needs, opting for high-protein foods to help keep her performance at its peak.

However, even top athletes aren't immune from feeling the effects of period symptoms.

"There is definitely a pressure to look a certain way," she said. "As an athlete, we have a more muscular build, and also deal with weight fluctuation and bloating during periods. That can be difficult. I always try to be patient with myself and how I am feeling [and] remember that my body does such cool things and is capable of so much."

Despite being a natural and normal part of life for over half the population, menstruation is often still considered a taboo subject. A study by Plan International Canada found that 63 per cent of women felt that they had to conceal their period products at work or school, and this number jumped to 81 per cent for women under the age of 25.

Period fears and discomforts cause menstruating people of all ages to also avoid participating in sports. A 2023 report found that for people 13 and older who menstruate, one in three will skip sports during their period.

In recent years, more female athletes have begun sharing their experiences of dealing with their period while competing.

Canadian Olympic tennis player Eugenie Bouchard also opened up about the physical challenges periods present in professional sports. Speaking on the "Not Alone" podcast, she recalled experiencing "really bad period cramps pain," the day before the U.S. Open in New York.

"I was like, 'thank god this is just a practice day today,'" she said. "If I had to play my match today, it would be really hard... That's just something we have to deal with," she said.

At the 2016 Rio Olympics, Chinese swimmer Fu Yuanhui explained how her period affected her performance in the 4x100m medley relay final.

"Actually, my period started yesterday evening. That's why I feel very weak and tired, but this is not an excuse," Fu said after missing the podium.

Olympic golfer Lydia Ko echoed similar sentiments in 2022, admitting that during the Palos Verdes Championship, she was in discomfort due to her period.

"It’s that time of the month. I know the ladies watching are probably like, yeah, I got you…" Ko said.

The New Zealand golfer also emphasized how, over time, she’s become more comfortable speaking about it publicly.

"The younger me would say it's embarrassing, but now I don’t think it is that embarrassing to say anymore because I’m not the only one."

Linda Morais, a Canadian Olympic wrestler, shared similar feelings, noting that menstruation is often still a "difficult topic" to discuss. “People are kind of embarrassed because of it, and I do think it’s a shame because, I mean, we’re just women, it’s just natural,” she told CTV News.

“When it comes around when I'm competing, for example, it can be annoying. But other than that, it … shouldn't stop you from going out there and competing," she said.

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