Many of us have been glued to our television screens entranced by the 2016 Olympics. Team USA has an astounding 292 women among its 555 members, the highest number from any country to compete. Men and women, however, have had very different experiences with sports participation. This week's newsletter explores the cultural, economic, social, and political barriers women have overcome to play sports and the challenges remaining today.
Young women wearing swimming medals
Getting Into the Game

"I think sports gave me the first place where this awkward girl could feel comfortable in my own skin. I think that's true for a lot of women--sports gives you a part of your life where you can work at something and you look in the mirror and you like that person." 
Terri McKeever, coach, USA women's swimming team (2012) 
When women began participating in sports, it was seen as a healthy activity for elite women. But competitive sporting? It would take a longer time for Americans to get used to seeing women challenge each other on a court or field. How did the Olympics help soothe those anxieties? Read more.   

When the first modern Olympic games was held in 1896, women were not allowed to participate. They, however, did participate in the second and third. Travel through a timeline of U.S. women's participation in the modern Olympics.   

wolverines stadium
Game Changers

"Believe me, the reward is not so great without the struggle."
Wilma Rudolph
 
Sports are integral to American national identity. Although Americans take sports seriously, women and men have had very different experiences with sports participation.

Breaking Records


Next Up: Women in Television 
UPCOMING EVENTS
Saturday, Aug. 13
Women of Civil War Walking Tour - 10 am at The Lyceum, Alexandria, VA

Friday, Aug. 19
Women of Civil War Alexandria Walking Tour -  7 pm at The Lyceum, Old Town Alexandria, VA

For more walking tours dates, click here.

Saturday, Sept. 17  

Women Making History LA - 11:30 am PT at The Montage, Beverly Hills, LA