They are not the first. They aren't even the first athletes. Racing has Danica Patrick, Olympic Volleyball gave us Misty May and Kerri Walsh, and this isn't a just a “girl thing” — but I digress.

In each case, stereotypes were broken and entire sports and their associated industries were transformed. In a few cases, the stories of overcoming adversity are amazing.

But they have nothing to do with gender stereotypes.

Ronda Rousey is arguably the most famous of our examples right now. Her story of overcoming personal adversity is clearly the most gripping. The story has nothing to do with labels. It is the story of an individual pursuing personal achievement despite adversity.

Ronda suffered from apraxia caused by complications at birth. She was unable to speak until she was six. Soon after her father was paralyzed in a sledding accident which would lead to his suicide when she was just eight. She was unable to complete high school, though she did later attain her GED.

Ronda’s life delivered a considerable amount of adversity. Does it strike you that “fight like a girl” had any real bearing? She began studying judo with her mother at age 11 — a bit of mother-daughter bonding? And she quickly found herself an Olympic-caliber fighter.

The three fights prior to UFC 193 combined for just 64 seconds.

Her total time in 12 professional fights was 25 minutes and 36 seconds. Everyone assumed that she would win again, including her. It was inevitable.

Then she lost. Badly. Perhaps it had become too easy. Her early success may have betrayed her, taken away her edge. Perhaps this setback will provide her the motivation and drive she needs to regain it.

Individual Achievement always comes in the face of adversity.

This is no reason to encourage ridiculous stereotypes or protect wrong-headed barriers to entry — but one could argue that without adversity, there would be little real achievement. I am not saying adversity is a requirement, but it may actually help the individual build strength, passion, and focus.

When was the last time you heard someone, celebrated for there personal achievement, talking about how easy it was? Many admit to having been lucky… but very few rave about a lack of adversity… and without adversity, who needs luck anyway?

“Fight like a girl” is a stereotype whose time has passed. Not because Always ran a commercial asking people to stop using it, but because a new generation of strong women fighters has changed public thinking. Their individual achievements in the face of personal adversity is the true story. Perhaps Always could buy some Superbowl air time to tell it?