Diversifying the Trails: A Conversation with Mirna Valerio
Briefly

Mirna Valerio, known as the Mirnavator, promotes the acceptance of the word 'fat' in a sport that often stigmatizes it. A plus-sized Black woman, she serves as a 'possibility model' in running, demonstrating that individuals of all body shapes can thrive in athletic environments. Valerio's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in sports is apparent through her work and personal achievements as a multisport athlete. Through her experiences, she aims to transform perceptions in running and inspire others to embrace their unique physical identities.
I have this dream of destigmatizing the word fat. Fat, historically, has been something that the sport has had a hard time accepting.
For her, fat and plus-sized are the words of choice, and fat and fit - simultaneously - are a way of life.
Her desire to leave the sport of running better than she found it by bringing light to her human experience - in her body - is clear.
In a world where many are afraid to step into spaces where they are the minority, Valerio seems to head into the unknown with confidence.
Read at iRunFar
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