A Powerful Argument Against Teen Body-Shaming

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  Body Image

When 18-year-old tennis sensation Taylor Townsend beat 21st-ranked Alize Cornet in the French Open on Wednesday, she did more than simply extend her thrilling Grand Slam debut by advancing to the third round.

The 205th-ranked Townsend's feat -- it made her the youngest U.S. woman to advance to the third round at the French Open since 2003 -- is even more impressive considering just two years ago, the U.S. Tennis Association attempted to keep her out of competition at the U.S. Open. It was suggested they would not restore their support until the teen, then the top-ranked junior player in the world, lost weight.
"Our concern is her long-term health, number one, and her long-term development as a player," Patrick McEnroe, general manager of the USTA's player development program, told the Wall Street Journal's Tom Perrotta at the time.

Townsend say her negative experience with the USTA over her weight and fitness level have helped her improve -- both on and off the tennis court.
Taylor Townsend 
“It helped me believe in myself more,” Townsend told ABC News of the criticism. “It also opened my eyes to say, ‘You know, you’re not going to look like everyone else.'"
Townsend, who entered the French Open as a wild card, was born in Chicago and her family still lives in the city's Englewood neighborhood. She will next face off with 14th-ranked Suarez Navarro of Spain in Friday's third-round matchup.

Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Body Image

Maintaining a healthy body image is a challenge. We are constantly surrounded by images of celebrities who look like they have "perfect" bodies or bombarded by ads telling us how to lose weight or have shiny hair and clean skin. Changing the way you view your body doesn't happen overnight; it takes time, patience, and a positive mindset to learn how to see yourself in a healthier way.

  • Confidence
  • Exercise
  • Proper Nutrition
  • Getting Knowledge About Self-Image
  • Steps to a Positive Body Image
  • A Personal Opinion
The media portrays beauty in a very stereotypical manner, with the average boy or girl being unhealthily skinny, blond-haired, blue-eyed, tall, and with unblemished fair skin. This image places a lot of pressure on teens who are constantly battling with their bodies to attain this perfect and ideal body image.

Teens often feel that going to extremes to have the perfect ideal body will provide them with greater and faster results. However, the best way to become slim, fit, and still stay healthy is to get regular checkups, follow physician's directions, exercise daily, eat the proper foods, and get plenty of rest at the end of each day.