In 1967, when Kathrine Switzer attempted to run the Boston Marathon as an officially registered competitor, her actions led to a ban on women from competing in races against men. To prevent her from participating, Switzer was assaulted and grabbed, pictures of which circulated through media. However, that one incident only fueled Kathrine to train harder and finally participate in the Boston Marathon official race for women, established five years later.
Kathrine Switzer is only one among the many women who etched their name in history for contributing towards athletics and sports. With the International Women’s Day on March 8th, let us take a look at some of the fearless women who changed the history of sports.
Billie Jean KingFormer No.1 Tennis Player Billie Jean King is among the most illustrious players in tennis history…. Read MoreFormer No.1 Tennis Player Billie Jean King is among the most illustrious players in tennis history. King, who has won 71 singles and 21 doubles titles, including a record 20 Wimbledon titles, etched her name in history when she defeated Bobby Riggs in one of the two matches dubbed as the “Battle of the Sexes” in 1973. Apart from her exceptional performance on the tennis ground, King also fought for equal prize money and equal treatment of women in the game and was the first woman athlete to earn $100,000 in prize money. Read LessToni StoneBorn as Marcenia Lyle Stone in West Virginia, Toni Stone was among the first few women to play profe… Read MoreBorn as Marcenia Lyle Stone in West Virginia, Toni Stone was among the first few women to play professional baseball full-time for the Indianapolis Clowns. She also became the first woman regular player to play at the American big-league professional baseball team. While Stone did face discrimination during her time in the game, she continued to stay focused and ease a path for others to follow.Read LessNadia ComăneciIn 1976, a 14-year-old Nadia Comăneci made history when her performance at the Olympic gymnastic event achieved her a perfect score of 10. She was the first gymnast to be given a perfect score at the Olympic games. During her career, Comăneci bagged five-time Olympic gold medals.Florence Griffith JoynerYears she set the record in 1988, American track and field athlete Florence Griffith Joyner continues to hold women’s world records in both the 100 meters and 200 meters. Her time, for 100m and 200 m are of 10.49 seconds and 21.34, respectively.Manon RhéaumeFormer Canadian ice hockey goaltender, Manon Rhéaume, became the first woman to play in men's North… Read MoreFormer Canadian ice hockey goaltender, Manon Rhéaume, became the first woman to play in men’s North American pro sports leagues when she she made her debut in 1992 at the NHL Tampa Bay Lightning in a preseason game. Rhéaume appearance not only shocked many but also paved way for women in ice hockey.Read LessJulie KroneWhile women jockey were rarely seen during her era, Julie Krone became the the first female jockey t… Read MoreWhile women jockey were rarely seen during her era, Julie Krone became the the first female jockey to win a Triple Crown race. As per reports, so far, only two female jockey have bagged the title. Krone continued to excel an in 200, became the first woman initiated into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. She also became the first to win the 2003 Breeders’ Cup race.Read Less
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