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No Women Allowed!!!
Before the 1970s not only was race segregated, but so was gender. Women were not allowed the same oppurtunities as men in anything. Especially not sports, people felt it wasn't for women. They felt women were suppose to be soft and gentle. They were not suppose to be tough and strong. -
Early Games for Women
There was concern over the physical strength and stamina of women and that led to the discouragement of female participation in more physically intensive sports, and this led to less physically demanding female versions of male sports. Therefore, games like netball was developed out of basketball and softball out of baseball. When most women played sports it wasn't taken as seriously, because most didnt see it as being competitive. There were a few women who were able to prove they could be. -
Women Breaking Barriers
Wilma Rudolph is the first woman to win three Olympic gold medals in track and field at in one Rome Summer Olympics. She was also the firtst African American women from the United States to win three gold medals. She won the 100 meter dash, 200 meter dash, and 400 meter relay team. She was able to break barriers not only for women but for all kinds of women and show the world we can achieve things to. -
Women Breaking Barriers
Roberta Gibb becomes the first woman to run and finish the Boston Marathon. It's was unofficial though, because women weren't officially entered until 1972. Although it didnt count her running help challenge all the prejudice and misconceptions about women's athletic abilities. -
TITLE IX
Finally in 1972 Title IX was created, its a clause in the 1972 Education Act stating that" no one shall because of sex be denied the benefits of any educational program of activity that receives direct federal aid". It mainly benefited women, because it gave us more opportunities in sports. This became a major point in history for women. because without this we wouldnt have achieved near as what we have now. <a href='http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnHdueMCf-8&feature=relmfu' >Impact of Title -
Billie Jean King
Tennis was a popular sport for women after Title IX. Famous player Billie Jean King defeated Bobby Riggs in the "Battle of the Sexes" tennis match. They both were the best, but most felt that she couldnt beat him, because she is a female, She wanted to prove to women that they are strong and that they can be best. When she won she helped alot of women feel powerful. -
Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987
A provision was added to Title IX, called Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987. Even though women were allowed more opportunities in sports, still alot of women were not allowed some such as jobs. In 1980s there was a decrease in women in coaching and administrative positions, mainly in college athletic programs. They were not receiving direct federal support, because Title IX did not apply to college athletics. Some call it the the first true "Title IX generation" of girl and women athletes. -
More Opportunities!!
Jackie Joyner-Kersee becomes the first woman athlete on the cover of Sports Illustrated magazine. She had tied the world record in the long jump. This became a huge deal, because even though women were able to play sports, they still were not being recognized. This gave women more opportunities to be recognized for their talents. By 1992 she was the multievent track and field athlete of all time. -
U.S. Women's Soccer
The United States women's national soccer team wins the first Women's World Cup. It was held in China. Since this win they have became the superpower in women's soccer. They are currently ranked first in the world by FIFA Women's World Rankings. -
Women's Basketball is Official!!!
The Women's National Basketball Association is finally available for women. In January of 1997 they prepared for the first season and the first 16 players were assigned to there teams. The season started June 21, 1997 and lasted until August 30, 1997. -
Women's Sports Today!
Women has been through so many challenges when it comes to our rights as equals. We have been able to overcome and achieve goals people never thought would happen. Its been a long journey, but we have proven that we are strong and independent just like everybody else. We have truly earned the respect we deserved all along. How Playing Sports Has Changed for Women
