ANNA SEROVA

“Storytelling helps to see real people behind the names. When we see these women’s paths and understand their battles, we cannot stay indifferent.”

Meet Anna Serova, a sports professional with European Aquatics. Passionate fencer and dancer. Anna’s story demonstrates the power of education and support to change perceptions and breakdown barriers in sport.

A SPORTING MEMORY

“One of my favourite sport memories is my first 10 km. After finishing my fencing career, I did not do any sport for quite a long time. One of my male teammates motivated me and 2 other girls to register for our first 10 km in Saint Petersburg. My whole company was cheering us on. It was a great moment of support and accomplishment.”

A CHANGE IN PERSPECTIVE

“6 years ago I was working with UFC. It was my first experience with combat sport and I perceived it as brutal, bloody and absolutely a male sport. To change my perception my colleague gave me a book by Ronda Rousey, My Fight/Your Fight. My favorite quote was, “You have to fight because you can’t count on anyone else fighting for you. And you have to fight for people who can’t fight for themselves. To get anything of real value, you have to fight for it.”

STORYTELLING

“Storytelling helps people to empathise with women who are fighting for their place in the world of sports. When we see these women’s paths and understand their battles, we cannot stay indifferent.

Their journeys spark emotions within us, and these emotions ignite the actions needed to help and support one another.”