This article will highlight women who have made history in sports. This article highlights seven women who have won seven world championship medals, starting with Michele Roberts, who led the NFL's coaching staff. In addition, this article explores the history of Title IX, the Education Act of 1972 that opened doors for women athletes, as well as other notable firsts in women's sports.
Title IX of the Education Act of 1972 opened opportunities for women athletes
Title IX of The Education Amendments of 1972 prohibited discrimination on the grounds of sex within federally-funded educational institutions. The aim was to reduce biases against female student. While few schools quickly followed the guidelines, the act represented an important step toward equal participation for women.
Women now make up over half of all college students. But women's participation has not caught up with men's in intercollegiate sports. In fact, the number of women participating in college sports was not as high as that of men until 2005-2006. Since then, women's participation in sports has skyrocketed. More than 3.4 Million high school girls are involved in athletics. And more than 215,000 women participate at the collegiate level. Title IX gives women the opportunity to participate in more sports.
Simone Manuel became the first woman to win seven medals at a single world championship
The U.S. women's swimming team was in the spotlight last month when Simone Manuel became the first Black woman to win a world championship. Manuel has been an important force in the sport and helped Team USA to win a bronze in the 400m freestyle relay. She is an ambassador to the USA Swimming Foundation where she champions greater diversity in the swimming sport.
Manuel's World Championships success was especially remarkable because she broke several records. She won the 50 meter freestyle and the 100 meter freestyle events, earning seven medals overall and participating in two world-record-breaking relays. Manuel revealed to Manuel that she had overtraining syndrome. This is a condition where the heart beat and muscles become too fast. Manuel went to her doctor to discuss the condition and she was told that swimming would be off-limits for three weeks.
Michele Roberts became first woman to lead major professional sports organizations
Michele Roberts is the first woman to head a major professional sports union. It was not an easy job when she applied. She didn't have much experience in labor relationships and she had no sports background. She was able to use her legal experience to her advantage.
Roberts was first elected to her position by the NBPA's executive committee in 2014. Roberts worked in Washington, D.C. as a trial attorney. She specialized in complex civil litigation, white collared criminal cases, and administrative proceedings. She is a member of the American College of Trial Lawyers.
Jen Welter was the first woman to join an NFL coaching staff
Jen Welter is an ex-running back for the Texas Revolution. She is now special teams coach for Arizona Cardinals. Welter is also the first female to coach in the professional men's football league. Welter has a goal to increase the number of women playing football. After her playing career, she helped establish camps for women and girls, including the GRRRidiron Flag Football Camp. She has also established a program to help young people from communities that are underserved.
While she wasn't seeking to be the first woman to coach in the NFL, Welter was already well on her way. Arians is an American, and he has made clear that women are welcomed on NFL coaching staffs. Welter is a great coach who has been trusted and respected by her teammates. Welter is a great example of a coach that values authenticity and teamwork.