athleticism• Femininity and athleticism have long been at odds with each other.• Perhaps it's because we humans tend to associateprotein with fitness and athleticism.• But they have more to lose: their traditionaldominance of the field, their lock on the very notion of athleticism.• Sportsbridge, a new nonprofit organization designed to promoteathleticism for women, had brought the pair together.• Women were now playing with the ferocity, commitment and sheerathleticism once associated only with men.• Lorne wanted reassurance about his youthfulness, athleticism and general popularity.