In the middle of 2021, machismo, one of the scourges of our society, is still alive in many areas, also in sport, as the case of the pilot of Superbikes Sharni Pinfold. The 25 year old Australian, who came from starring in his best season in the Moto3 category of the British Championship of
Superbike, in the one who was 11th in 2020, was preparing to play this course his first campaign in the German championship of Supersport 300 to continue your progress. All this, after a long journey that began in 2018 in Great Britain and that even led her to make her debut in the SSP300 World Championship last year at the Magny-Cours test. Nevertheless, Pinfold chose to dismiss his desire to continue competing early because of machismo.
The pilot had risked a lot to fulfill her dream. After the death of her father, the ‘aussi’ decided to completely change her life and fight for what he really wanted: to compete on a motorcycle. Started racing in Australia in 2017 and the following year he completely changed his life to definitely bet on motorcycling, leaving his entire family behind to fight on two wheels in Europe for several years. However, he decided to stop pursuing his goals on a motorcycle because of the machismo he had to endure in those categories.
Sharni Pinfold
Sharni’s letter on social media:
“I want to announce my decision to move away from the racing world,” Sharni explains in his statement. This decision comes from the heart. From the beginning of my career, I had made the decision to give 100% knowing that when the end of my career came, I would be sure that I had done all that I could do. My father passed away just before I started running. This means that everything I have done has been solely on my own without guidance or support ”.
“Throughout my motorsport journey, I have experienced and been exposed to many challenges, some of which I find difficult to speak of. Most of the challenges I have faced have been based on disrespect and contemptuous treatment of women. Things I know I would never have had to experience or be exposed to had I been a man ”.
Sharni Pinfold
“There comes a point where you say enough, and I feel like I’ve reached that moment.
I feel like I no longer want to be exposed to this behavior or to be treated this way. This saddens me deeply. It saddens me deeply to look at the challenges of my own journey, and to recognize the fact that women who dedicate their lives to pursuing their dreams are being exposed to this and are being treated in this way. This has been the main factor that contributed to my decision to retire ”.
“I am very proud of what I have achieved and it is a shame that I was not able to develop my full potential.”
The FIM condemns machismo and investigates what happened
This Monday, two weeks after the announcement of the pilot, the FIM condemned the machismo suffered by the Australian pilot through a statement. The International Motorcycling Federation has defended gender equality as one of its great values, and for this reason, both FIM and the Australian Motorcycling Federation are working to understand everything that Pinfold suffered.
“The FIM is closely following the situation following the statement made on social media by Australian rider Sharni Pinfold, which aroused strong emotions within the motorcycle community. Gender equality is a core value for the FIM, which constantly strives to ensure the well-being of all riders and stakeholders. The FIM was upset to hear the news and takes Ms Pinfold’s statement very seriously. The FIM and the Australian Motorcycling Federation have been in close contact with the young rider to understand the events that led Sharni to such discouragement. We would like to emphasize that Sharni Pinfold can count on the unconditional support of the FIM to overcome this challenge ”, highlights the FIM in its statement.
“The FIM recalls that the practice of motorcycling is open to all without discrimination and condemns any form of behavior contrary to these values. Any form of discrimination based on political, religious, sexual or racial grounds will not be tolerated. Since 2006, the FIM Commission for Women in Motorcycling (CFM) has worked hard to create equal opportunities and promote equal treatment for women involved in motorcycle-related activities, ”the text added. .
“The FIM does not accept any type of discrimination against our pilots, regardless of their gender.. We are a motorcycle family, everyone is welcome. We will not tolerate inappropriate or annoying comments. Our goal is to support all riders, enable them to pursue their dreams and keep their motivation high. The FIM Commission for Women in Motorcycling, together with the FIM and its stakeholders, will continue to work hard to improve gender equality in our sport at all levels, ”said CFM director Nita Korhonen in said statement. .
Sharni Pinfold
Sharni appreciates the support of the FIM
“By the experience of my own path, my wish is to be able to contribute to raising awareness about the disrespectful and misogynistic treatment of women.
I really hope that I can foster much needed improvement in the motorcycle industry. And of all the industries in which women are treated differentlyand. Not only me, there are many other women who have been treated badly and as a result I hope I can empower others to know the importance and value of self-esteem ”says the 25-year-old Australian in the FIM statement.
“It would be easy for me to sit down and point out those responsible, but I think that true strength is determined by how we respond. I am not here to be a victim, I am here to stand up for what is right and spread this message to all women. I am grateful for the support and for the measures taken by the FIM with the clear objective of equality for all. This is what we stand for ”, Pinfold concludes.
Sharni Pinfold
