From X Games Ventura Champions of Change focuses on female athletes pushing for progression in action sports, both on and off the board/bike. With female athletes and sports industry leaders, this panel will discuss how to continue the surge behind women’s sports worldwide, forge personal connections between female athletes, and explore the elements needed for exposure, progression, and growth of women’s action sports.
Host: Kristen Beat – X Games TV talent
• Thayer Lavielle – EVP, Wasserman / The Collective
• Hannah Roberts – BMX Olympic Medalist
• Cherie Cohen – Chief Revenue Officer, World Surf League
• Vicki Golden – Four-Time X Games FMX medalist
We had the privilege of hosting a panel of incredible women who are driving innovation and progression in sports. Thayer Lavielle, Hannah Roberts, Cherie Cohen, and Vicki Golden shared their insights and experiences in action sports.
Thayer Lavielle, the Executive Vice President of Wasserman The Collective, highlighted the importance of gender equality in sports and the need for businesses to invest in women athletes. She emphasized the collaborative nature of women’s sports and the role of fearlessness in driving innovation.
Cherie Cohen, the World Surf League’s chief revenue officer, discussed the progress made in women’s visibility in action sports, including equal pay, integrated tours, and leadership representation. She emphasized the importance of allyship between male and female athletes in supporting women’s growth in sports.
Hannah Roberts, a five-time world champion in women’s BMX, shared her personal challenges in pushing women’s BMX forward, including the need for more support from companies to make sports a full-time career. She highlighted the progress made in recent years but emphasized the importance of continued support for female athletes.
Vicki Golden, a trailblazer in women’s motocross, shared her unique journey from racing in women’s motocross to competing against men in supercross. She emphasized the importance of creating lasting relationships with brands and being a good human both on and off the track.
The discussion highlighted the need for increased support and investment in women athletes in action sports. The panelists discussed the challenges they have faced, the progress made, and the opportunities for further growth in women’s sports. The conversation underscored the importance of allyship, brand partnerships, and creating a supportive community for women in sports.
