Women in Sports

First Olympic Games

Jul 1, 776

The first Olympic games were held in Greece. Women were excluded from these games so they held their own. Every four years women held what was called "Games of Hera" to honor the Greek goddess who ruled over women and they earth.

Wellesley College Rowing

Sep 8, 1875

Wellesley College in 1875 established the first rowing program for women and is the oldest surviving program.

"Blondes & Brunetts"

Sep 11, 1875

Matthew Vassar establishes Vassar College. A school for women to participate in physical education. 1st school to have 2 amateur baseball teams. This was the date of the first game charged for money between the blondes and brunetts.

Ladies and Baseball

Jun 16, 1883

First Baseball "Ladies Day" Both escorted and unescorted women were allowed into the ball park free.

Women need Physical Activity

Sep 1, 1892

Since the beginning women have been told that physical activity is bad for their bodies. A September 1982 Journal "Physical Education" publication of the YMCA wrote stating that women need physical exercise and fitness. This dimissed the earlier idea.

Girls Little League

Nov 6, 1924

Girls are officially allowed to play after the lawsuit for all boys little league from the National Organization of Women.

Gertrude Ederle

Aug 6, 1926

At the age of 19 Gertrude became the first women to swim the English Channel in 14 hours, 31 minutes, beating the best time to date by 2 hours,

Wilma Rudolph

Sep 7, 1960

She is the first women to win 3 Olympic Gold medals in Track and Field at one Olympic game. Lived in a family of 22 and was able to bring them out of poverty.

First Female to Run Boston Marathon

Apr 19, 1966

Bobbi Gibbs (Roberta Gibbs)- First women to run and complete the Boston Marathon in 1966. At this time women were not allowed to run such distances under the rules of the American Athletic Union. She was technically not allowed to enter the race so she snuck in. She finished in 3 hours, 21 minutes and 40 seconds ahead of 2/3 of the pack.

Title XI

Jun 23, 1972

Title XI is a portion of of the Education Amendments of 1972. It states that: No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.
—Title 20 U.S.C. Sections 1681-1688 www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=sTYrmNY3BZc

Billie Jean King

Sep 20, 1973

She was one of the most important women in womens sport and rights. She beat Bobby Riggs- the #2 male tennis star in a battle of the sexes match. She proved that women have equal abilities of men. Her other accomplishments include: 12 grand slam single title, 16 grand slam women double title and 11 grand slam mixed titles. She is the founder of the Womens Tennis Association and owner of World Team Tennis. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owhurhGdI4k

Joan Benoit

Mar 18, 1984

Women were finally allowed to compete in the marathon at the olympic games. Joan Benoit showed athletic prowess in winning the event.