If you are interested to learn more about women in sports, this is the place for you. 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 Education Act of 1972 opened up possibilities for women athletes
Title IX of the 1972 Education Amendments prohibited discrimination based on sex in federally funded educational institutions. The purpose was to counter biases towards female students. Although the guidelines were not followed by all schools, it was a significant step towards equal participation for women.
Over half of college students are now women. 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. Over 3.4 million high school girls take part in athletics. More than 215,000 women play at collegiate levels. Title IX allows women athletes to compete in more sports.
Simone Manuel became first woman to win seven gold medals at one world championship
Simone Manuel, the first Black woman to win the world championship in swimming, put the U.S. women's team in the limelight. Manuel is a significant force in the sport. She helped Team USA win a bronze medal at the 400-meter freestyle relay. She is currently an ambassador of the USA Swimming Foundation and promotes diversity in the sport.
Manuel's World Championships success is especially impressive as she broke many 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 that Manuel was suffering from overtraining syndrome. It is a condition that causes overheating and muscle soreness. Manuel consulted her doctor about this disease and she took three weeks off from swimming.
Michele Roberts became first woman to lead major professional sports organizations
Michele Roberts is the first female to lead a major professional association in professional sport. When she applied for the job, it was a daunting task. She did not have experience in labor relations and had no background in sports. But, her experience in the legal sector gave her an edge.
Roberts was the first person elected to her position by NBPA’s executive committee in 2014. Roberts spent her time in Washington, D.C., working as a trial lawyers. She is a specialist in complex civil litigation, white collared criminal cases, or administrative proceedings. Roberts is a fellow of American College of Trial Lawyers. She lectures often on topics related to litigation and trials around the country.
Jen Welter became first woman to serve as a member on an NFL coaching staff
Jen Welter was the former running back of the Texas Revolution. Now she is the special team coach for Arizona Cardinals. She is also a first woman to head a professional men's football team. Welter's goal is to promote football among women. 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 exceptional coach who has gained the trust and respect from her team. Welter is a great example of a coach that values authenticity and teamwork.