How Lydia Ko's time of the month could change women's sport

Lydia Ko lay on the fairway being stretched out by her physiotherapist on Sunday at the Palos Verdes Championship. She was on her final nine and firmly in contention for her 18th LPGA win.

In her post-round interview, the Golf Channel's Jerry Foltz asked the question that every concerned fan was thinking. Will her "injury" affect the rest of the season?

But Foltz definitely wasn't prepared for what Ko would say next. And it left him at a loss for words.

"It's that time of the month," she exclaimed.

"I know the ladies watching are probably like, 'Yeah, I got you.'"

And got you we have, Lydia.

Not just because we're all too aware of what it feels like. Period pains, menstrual headaches and the fear you're going to bleed through your trousers.

But because – hallelujah – someone is actually talking about it. And that's huge for women's sport.

Why does it matter?

Jerry Foltz was obviously caught off guard. We're not used to Tour players or any athletes talking so candidly about periods.

To hear someone like Foltz lost for words proves how uncomfortable we are about talking about women's bodies. And how pitifully uneducated we all are about women's bodies and sport.

And don't even get me started on some of the comments I saw on Twitter.

"Really? So when someone has diarrhoea, that's ok to talk about?" replied one person.

Yes. Women should be able to talk freely about periods and all the other things that come with being a woman – like boobs – without being embarrassed. We shouldn't apologise because it makes anyone feel uncomfortable.

I'll say that louder for the people at the back. Women should be able to talk about their bodies without apology.

Because when we talk about these taboo topics, we educate everyone on how women's bodies impact the way they play sports.

And when we do that, we learn how women can play and compete by working with their bodies. Not against them.

And then, we empower women to take up and stay in sports for the long term.

That's why Lydia Ko speaking openly and honestly about her period this week was incredible. It's a huge step in women's sport, and I hope we hear a lot more like it in the future.

Women & Golf are advocating for change. To talk about taboo subjects and to educate women about their bodies. If you're interested in finding out more, read our recent article, Should you wear a sports bra to play golf.