Women are one of history’s greatest gifts. They make history, they shape our future and they make the present amazing. Especially in the sports world, women have had some of the most amazing moments that have become the foundation for sports history. Here are some of those moments.
- Title IX Passed in 1972
Before the federal Title IX law was passed, education programs that received federal funding were not prohibited from sex discrimination. Once this law was passed, the trajectory of sports was forever changed, making it illegal for programs to discriminate against women.
- Billie Jean King defeats Riggs in the ‘Battle of the Sexes” in 1973
In a televised tennis match watched by over 90 million people, Billie Jean King defeated the former men’s tennis champ Bobby Riggs. With this victory, King not only proved that women could compete against men, but also out-do them.
- First Women’s Olympic Marathon in 1984
For the first time in Olympic history, women were allowed to compete in the Olympic marathon. One Olympic icon, Joan Benoit Samuelson of the United States, was one of the first women to compete in the marathon. In the race, she defied all odds and proved that women were able to run long distances.
- 1999 U.S. Women’s Soccer win the World Cup
In a groundbreaking penalty shootout, the U.S. women’s soccer team won the 1999 World Cup, with an iconic celebration by Brandi Chastain that became a symbol for women’s empowerment.
- Serena Williams defines tennis
Serena Williams has become a household name. With a whopping 23 Grand Slam single titles, she has broken records and barriers all around the world. Her accomplishments on the tennis court have allowed her to become a role model for young girls and women everywhere. Off the court, she has served as a symbol for racial and gender equality.
- Katherine Switzer runs the Boston Marathon in 1967
Becoming the first woman ever to run the men’s-only Boston Marathon, Switzer went against the rules and joined along her male colleagues. Despite the many attempts to remove her from the race, she defied all odds by spearheading a movement that led to the inclusion of women in future marathons.
- Becky Hammon becomes first female NBA assistant coach in 2014
In 2014, Becky Hammon was hired as an assistant coach by the San Antonio Spurs, becoming the first woman to coach in a male sports league.
- Ronda Rousey’s UFC debut
In 2014, Ronda Rousey became the first woman to ever compete in an Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) match, paving the way for future female fighters and athletes in combat sports.
- Simone Biles making history
Along with being one of the biggest mental health advocates in the sports community, Simone Biles set several records in gymnastics that include the most World Championship medals with 30. Her other achievements include the record for the most consecutive all-around titles and seven Olympic gold medals.
- The creation of the WNBA
Before the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) was founded, female basketball players were not publicized as they were not taken as seriously as the men. However, after the WNBA was created in 1996, the world of basketball was forever changed as women’s basketball was given a platform.
