You're in the right place if you are interested in women's firsts in sport. This article highlights seven women who have won seven world championship medals, starting with Michele Roberts, who led the NFL's coaching staff. This article also explores the history of Title IX. It is the 1972 Education Act that allowed women athletes to enter the sport.
Title IX of 1972's Education Act opened up 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 purpose was to counter biases towards female students. Although few schools were able to follow the guidelines quickly, the act represented a major step toward equal participation for all 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. Up until 2005-2006 women weren't able to match the participation of men in college sport. Since then, women have been participating in more sports than ever before. 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 has allowed women athletes to take part in more sports than ever before.
Simone Manuel became first woman to win seven gold medals at one 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 is a significant force in the sport. She helped Team USA win a bronze medal at the 400-meter 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 is impressive, as she broke several world 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 discovered she had an overtraining syndrome. The condition causes a rapid heartbeat and muscle soreness. Manuel consulted her doctor about this disease and she took three weeks off from swimming.
Michele Roberts was the first woman to head a major professional sporting union
Michele Roberts has made history by becoming the first woman to lead a major professional sport union. She was a long shot when she applied for the job. She had never worked in labor relations or been involved in sports. Yet, her background in the legal field gave her a leg up.
Roberts was the first person elected to her position by NBPA’s executive committee in 2014. Roberts previously worked in Washington, D.C., as a trial lawyer. She was skilled in complex civil litigation, white collared criminal cases, administrative proceedings, and other areas. 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 a former running back for the Texas Revolution and is now the special teams coach for the Arizona Cardinals. She is also the first women to coach in a men's professional football league. Welter's goal? To promote women's football. After her playing career, Welter helped create camps for girls and women such as the GRRRidiron Football Camp. She has also launched a program for young people in underserved communities.
Welter was well on her way to becoming the first female coach in the NFL. Arians is a man, and he has made it clear that women are welcome on NFL coaching staffs. Welter is an outstanding coach and has won the respect and trust of her colleagues. She is an example of a coach who values authenticity, teamwork and collaboration.