Answer from "Marsh Maven", a Marine Biologist:
No. I think that girls can be just as athletic as boys. The performance level from one gender to another is not the same in all sports, however, because boys and girls are made differently. Those differences in body and musculature allow boys to do some things better than girls and girls to do other things better than boys. But it doesn't mean that one gender is more athletic than another.

Answer from "vet_in_04", a Veterinary Student:
Men and women have the same abilities, just different amounts of them. Whether or not a boy or a girl is more athletic depends on how he or she USES these abilities and on the way they are used. For example, one of my male friends could probably beat me swimming across a pool, but it's probably because I never swim. I also know for sure he couldn't run one of the 5K races I run if he tried, but he also never runs. That doesn't mean either of us is really more athletic than the other; we are just athletic in different ways. What is more important is that we try our best at what we do...that's what being an athlete really is.

Answer from "Leak Lady", a Structural Engineer:
Science shows us that boys' bodies are different than girls'. Boys and girls have different muscles and bone structures. This doesn't mean that girls can't be very athletic or physically fit or play sports. We are just different than boys.

Answer from "rocketscientist", an Aerospace Engineer:
No, I don't. I think when children are growing up girls are given more "indoor" toys to play with - Barbies, etc.- and boys are encouraged to play outside more - running around, etc. So I think many boys seem more athletic only because they started doing sports (or physical activity that requires coordination) when they were younger. For me, the big difference is having a good teacher/coach. My sister taught me to play volleyball when I was in 7th grade (I hadn't done any sports up until then) - I kept playing since then and I am a very good volleyball player. Then I learned how to row when I was in college - again the difference is having a good teacher, it doesn't matter how late you start. In general, boys start playing sports earlier than girls, so by 7th grade, the boys are much better (because they've had more practice) - this intimidates girls. But if someone takes the time to teach the girls the physical skills involved, they can be good athletes.

Thanks to Dawnielle from Winter Hill Middle School for submitting this question!