Australian athlete Ellyse Perry gained notoriety for her success in a variety of sports, most notably women's soccer and cricket. Her career demonstrates how women's sports have changed significantly in the last ten years. Perry had the distinct advantage of being able to play both cricket and soccer at different times during her career, whereas many athletes focus on just one sport from an early age.

Sports can be thought of as various islands connected by bridges that, depending on the time of day, can be traversed with differing ease. These bridges have grown stronger and more numerous in recent years, enabling athletes like Perry to switch between sports without losing speed. Growing interest in women's sports, more funding, and advancements in training techniques are some of the reasons for this shift.

Because Perry started her professional career at a time when opportunities for female athletes were growing quickly, her timing was fortunate. Because of increased funding for women's sports, improved media attention, and increased public interest, athletes like Perry were able to pursue a variety of sports without the limitations that previous generations of female athletes faced.

Young athletes who might aspire to pursue a variety of interests within the world of professional sports can find inspiration in her journey. Perry emphasizes the shifting dynamics that have created new opportunities for female athletes looking to diversify their careers by showcasing her ability to succeed in both cricket and soccer.