Why women are breaking men's endurance records
Sophie Woods has completed the 2,000-kilometer Via Alpina faster even than the fastest-ever man. DW explains why she is not the only woman breaking men's records in extreme sports.
Sophie Wood, a New Zealand runner, has made history by breaking several men's endurance records. She ran a 29-day trek across the Alps, covering 2,000 kilometers and ascending over 100,000 meters, while sleeping only three to four hours per night. This feat made her the fastest person to complete the Via Alpina, seven days faster than the previous male record holder.
Wood is not alone in breaking men's endurance records; other women have also achieved this in recent years. Factors such as a higher proportion of fatigue-resistant Type I muscle fibers and a greater reliance on fat as an energy source may contribute to women's ability to perform well in long-distance events. Despite these advantages, men still hold many records and are faster on average over shorter distances.
However, Woods emphasizes that trying the challenging aspects of endurance sports is the bravest thing one can do, regardless of gender.
Written by urgent.news from DW English (Top Stories)'s reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
