Adventure Racing
Empowering women in adventure sports: Insights from Joanna Di Grigoli
Red Bull X-Alps race expert, Joanna Di Grigoli shares her perspective on how adventure sports can become more inclusive and empower more women to take part.
Spectators had gathered in large numbers in Zell am See, the finish area of Red Bull X-Alps 2023. The wind was strong, but Eli Egger stayed steady, guiding herself through the final approach to the float with precision. When she finally touched down, tears ran down her face. She had just become the first woman to complete Red Bull X-Alps, etching her name into the history of adventure sports.
Culture and early perceptions
Adventure sports have long been about pushing limits – both physical and mental. Over the years, disciplines such as paragliding, hike & fly and endurance racing have continued to evolve, attracting athletes from increasingly diverse backgrounds. As more women take part in these demanding environments, the conversation around opportunity, visibility and inclusion has naturally become part of the sport’s progression.
For Red Bull X-Alps race expert Joanna Di Grigoli, many of the barriers women face in adventure sports have less to do with the sport itself than with the way society shapes expectations from an early age.
Joanna Di Grigoli, Red Bull X-Alps race expert
© zooom
“The main barrier is cultural – the way women are perceived by society and the way both women and men are raised,” she explains. “Of course, this changes from one country to another, but in general the extracurricular activities offered to boys and girls are different.”
Changing attitudes in adventure sports
Yet adventure sports have always rewarded determination, curiosity and resilience – qualities that transcend gender. In the world of paragliding, where performance is influenced by skill, strategy and equipment rather than pure physical strength, attitudes have gradually evolved.
Now men see some of the top women of the sport as role models, and they wish they flew ‘like a girl’
“In the past, when women performed well, people would say they flew ‘like a man’,” Di Grigoli says. “Nowadays the community understands that performance is not linked to gender. Now men see some of the top women of the sport as role models, and they wish they flew ‘like a girl’.”
This gradual shift in mindset reflects a broader evolution within adventure sports. As more women take part and their achievements gain visibility, perceptions are slowly changing. A striking example is Eli Egger, who in 2023 became the first woman to complete Red Bull X-Alps, showing that determination, skill, and endurance transcend gender. Seeing athletes like Eli perform at the highest level helps reshape expectations, not only for future participants, but also for the communities around them.
Elisabeth Egger performs during Red Bull X-Alps 2023 in Valda, Italy
© zooom / Lukas Pilz
Elisabeth Egger performs during Red Bull X-Alps in Misurina
© zooom
Eli Egger (AUT4) is the first woman ever to finish the race
© zooom / Christian Lorenz
Creating opportunities for the next generation of adventure athletes
For Joanna, creating more inclusive environments is not necessarily about separating athletes, but about ensuring equal opportunities and recognition.
“Giving women the same opportunities to participate as men would be a good place to start,” she says. “Today, more women participate in adventure sports than 20 years ago, and that’s a huge step forward. Small details can make a big difference for women. Greater visibility would help elevate their talent.”
This is exactly why the Red Bull X-Alps Challenger was introduced. From May 28 to 31, 2026, in Mayrhofen, Austria, the Red Bull X-Alps Challenger will bring the spirit of the world’s toughest adventure race to life in a three-day event designed to test, inspire, and prepare the next generation of adventure athletes.
But more than anything, the Red Bull X-Alps Challenger is about growing the sport and fostering a diverse community. Open to everyone, the event empowers female talent and gives new athletes the chance to take on the Red Bull X-Alps adventure.
Feeling like you're ready to take on the challenge? Register now!
